Hand in hand

Through my life, I've experienced a wide spectrum of personalities. I've befriended crazy ambitious guys who thoughts have provoked my imagination, humorous and lively people who can make any situation bright, and compassionate people who's altruistic behavior arouses some deep thankfulness for this world. Although these people have quite distinctive characters, they are inevitably similar in their visions for the future. 

The motivated driven, relentless person works endlessly through challenges fulfill his dreams of changing the world. The charming humorous person finds fulfillment in arousing positive emotions with those around him- every smile to him is the physical incarnation of happiness. The compassionate person works selflessly to give himself up for the benefit of others. Every action is taken to further their ideas of self-fulfillment. 

The world, filled with a multitude of characters each chasing after their own dreams, seems quite idealistic.  This romanticized version of society doesn't capture the gruesome realities of human interaction. 

In reality, especially in Troy High, people are like a pit of lions, thrashing and clawing around, selfishly reaching for the meat of success. Every action they take is a strategic move to propel themselves forward while simultaneously pushing others behind. The corrupt mindset of success, at the expense of others, engulfs the students at Troy High. I've heard those around me whisper threats and jealous remarks that haunt the school hallways. 

"...He didn't deserve to receive that award...how did such a dumb person...Let's screw him over for the club election..."

Materialism is defined as the wish to possess the physical world: wealth, property, and objects. Though it seems to be much less pervasive in the current era, it seems to show itself in another form. Specifically, materialism's close relative of possessing accomplishments permeates through our school. Every student desperately claws at the chance to obtain an award, a scholarship, a club position, without any care at the harm done around them. Every person that is harmed, is one less person competing for scholarships...

Materialism, by itself isn't necessarily evil. It's the vicious race for materialistic values that tramples on the wellbeing of others that becomes evil. Likewise, the search for success is actually quite a positive quality, but the corrupt rat-race present at our school is undeniably a nightmare. 

I believe an adoption of a new mindset is required for us to take one step further to the idealized world. To instead of harming our competitors, wish them the best of luck and happiness in whatever they do. This way we can avoid becoming "careless people... [who smash] up things" rather than doing good. Let us realize that the key to success lies in reaching out to those around us and creating real meaning, rather than deceiving ourselves into thinking it comes as a cheap paper certificate.