Commentary
Lloyd Shisler

It infuriates me to see people in such pain and hatred. As I walk through the hallways of Pierce College, I look at people passing by. I see pain, depression, hatred, exhaustion, judgment, and many other things that would bring someone down. If I smile and say a simple greeting or ask how someone is doing, it’s usually personified back with either a blank look of disregard or a face of disgust.

I had high hopes for this school and I still do. This is a school that is mixed with international students and Americans. We, as a school, represent what America should be; people from around the world getting along in harmony. Instead, I still see segregation among INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS and AMERICANS!

I understand we have our differences as people and individuals, but I am tired of hearing that excuse. Differences should be no reason for people not to interact with people but to learn and understand our differences, to accept people for whom they are and embrace each other.

I am also tired of hearing people say, “The world has gone to hell, and there is no hope.” “People are full of hate and are mean to each other.” Remember that hate breeds hate and love breeds love. Instead of complaining about it, do something about it. You can’t change the world, but you can change people, one at a time.

I read an article the other day it the school newspaper where someone was so bothered by being stereotyped that she felt compelled to write about it and how much she hated it. It showed me how judging people are in this school. I was hopeful that this school was different. If people would not be judgmental, then this person would have not been tortured by this. “To judge is to be judged.”  This means, if you judge other people, they will judge you back in the same manner.

The blood drive was at the school the other day. When I was walking through the school; I heard two girls laugh and say, “Ha! I’m not giving blood, SCREW that!” What got me was not only were they laughing at this, they were MOCKING this! The worst part is I lost count on how many times I hear a similar version of this from people just by walking by them.

How would they feel if they were in the hospital in critical condition and the doctor laughed at them saying, “Sorry, we don’t have blood for you, no one seems to care.” I’m sure you wouldn’t be laughing then. I get those people who are ineligible. If you choose not to do an act of kindness, that is your choice; that is your right.

Here is how we change this. Instead of ignoring people or ignoring someone who is having a bad day. Ask them how they are doing. Greet them and say, “Good morning! Or, good evening!”

I understand that fear is a huge issue with people, especially when it comes to talking to people. If you always stay behind your line of fears, then you will never be able to conquer YOUR fears. The day you choose to cross that line will be the day of liberation from that fear or fears!

So tell a loved one, friend, or fellow peer that they are good people and you appreciate them and everything they do for others and yourself. If it wasn’t for our friends, loved ones, and fellow peers, we wouldn’t be the people we are today!