There are few experiences I have gone through in my life that have forever changed me. One of these life changing moments had a greater impact on my attitude than I ever imagined. During spring break of 2005, my grandmother brother, and I went to Mexico for a vacation. As I boarded the plane, I anxiously thought about the beautiful beaches, souvenirs, and taking plenty of pictures to show my friends. As I anticipated the time of my life, I had no idea I would return home with a valuable life lesson and a change of attitude. This trip to Mexico was definitely a turning point in my life.
The hotel we stayed in was as beautiful as I had pictured it to be. We dined in restaurants, tanned on the beach, and shopped until each one of us was tired of walking. As I basked in the sun, I gave little to no thought about the terrible living conditions of many local residents. It took a first-hand experience for me to realize just how fortunate I am. My grandmother is a firm believer in giving back to others. It is because of her giving nature that she signed us up for a volunteer food drive during our vacation. Running water, electricity, and food on the table are luxuries many people, including myself, take for granted. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many people living in third-world countries, including certain destitute areas of Mexico.
The 20 minute ride to the volunteer center seemed like it would never end. My brother and I tried our hardest to conceal our bad attitudes, but it was obvious that we were less than thrilled. I have to admit I was definitely humbled by the end of the day. After we arrived, we were to hand out boxes of Ramen noodles and plastic-ware to anyone who showed up. I was surprised to see so many people of all ages, some even younger than myself. The day came to an end as we handed out the last few packets of soup. As I looked around and watched how thankful everyone was, I felt horrible about my negative attitude. Thinking back on this memory, I remember the saying “a picture paints a thousand words”. Few words were spoken, but just seeing the grateful look on peoples' faces was the best thank you I have ever received. Never again will I complain about a lack of luxuries in my life, because more than half the people who showed up were without a home.
These types of experiences do not always happen on a daily, monthly, or annual basis. Many of these milestones have taken place in the least expected places during the most unsuspecting times. When turning points do happen, we should be prepared for a change in attitude. I don't know if anyone else remembers that trip to Mexico for the same reason I do. What I do know is that I have not been the same ever since!