Love, Listen, Learn and Lead

Quick Disclaimer: This was my final speech for a class so it is not written in essay form as it is meant to be spoken rather than read. However, I wanted to publish it so that more than just my classmates can hear it. So without further ado, here's my speech! Wow what a year. Although this is my first year being a part of this wonderful class, I definitely learned A LOT. In my life outside of the classroom I’ve had probably the hardest year of my life but many discussions we had in class gave me little bits of insight that ultimately helped me make it through the year. We started off this class back in August and if there were two words I could use to describe my mental state at that point in time it would be overwhelmed and expectant. I was overwhelmed with so many things in my life at that point in time, but I was also expecting for more and more to be added to my plate. Honestly it was so much and I just wanted to keep everything under control. Which brings me to the topic I ...

"Love is never wasted for its value does not rest upon reciprocity." ~C.S. Lewis I came across this beautiful quote by C.S. Lewis today and I just had to write about it. As one of my close friends has told me before, I feel deeply and this quote kindles many emotions in my heart. Now, before I continue I want to establish that this is not a post strictly about romantic relationships, it is about platonic and family relationships as well. The idea that love, whether returned or not, holds the same value no matter what is such a wonderful thought. I love the idea that even if you pour love endlessly into someone without anything in return, that person is still filled up. This makes me happy because too often I have wondered if loving those who don't return my feelings is futile, pointless, and, stupid. I hate the idea that I could spend so much time loving someone for it to just be discarded because they decide they don't feel the same. Though, because of...