Always Do the Right Thing

"Always do the right thing. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest" -Mark Twain. Twain's quote represents an idealism that should be backwards, were doing right wont astonish people because it's universal. Sadly, our world lives in the idealism of Twain's quote. Yet, life is infused with change, consequently, enabling use to change Twains quote by trying to make right choices part of our lives.

Doing the right thing means sacrifice. In my case, I sacrificed time, using it for Juniors Achievement program, helping feed the homeless, working in a nursing home, volunteering at Shands Hospital, and just being there for people. In the volunteer program, I worked in the ER minor care room, pediatrics specialty clinic, and anesthesiology department. In 300 words it would be impossible to describe all the work that the doctors accomplished, but, I can say, that by being there, talking with the patients, I gave them a friend in a terrifying circumstance. I enjoyed giving the patients confidence and a friendly ear, but not cleaning up after the doctors.

The nursing home is a place that needs the most heart. Most of the patients watched their spouse die and live in an atmosphere that seems to lack hope. Yet, when I and a group of volunteers came to help and be part of their lives, they seemed to brighten.

These actions are just phases in my life in which I hoped touched some of the people I was around. For, the average person is not defined by amazing feats of wonder, but by the smile, small comforts, and the hope we instill in the people that crosses our paths. By giving the people around us these joys it will indubitable change mark twains belief into doing right being the only acceptable choice.