1971 School Magazine

ll" Jwlogo'ir' "f ffirt .$riutro* Qirlt' Qrornwrcrr Stlronl

EI}TTONTAI-.

Young people today have tremendous opportunities. Not in the sense of advanced education, even though more students than ever before are now attendinguniversities and colleges- Not even tn the sense of exciting careers, although there is a wide range to choose from, But our greatest opportunities lie in our relationshlps wtth people, in our ability to be in sympathy with others, to care. Concern for other people should be the guide to our actions and words; tt is our main responstbility. Oh yes, we all know we have responsibilities but do we care? Do we really make sacriftces for anybody or anything? How many of our good intentions lose their worth because our opinions of ourselves become inflated or because our efforts are grudgingly half-hearted? They fail because we forget that true responsibility is grounded in a basic concern for other people. And that means every other person, not just those whom we might already happen to like. Caring for friends ts commendable but often demands no real effort from us. Caring for those outside our social circle is much more dfficult and requires perseverance and suppression of our own interests. There should be no distinction and no hesitation. Caring begins here and now in our contacts with all those whom we meet day by day. Time is our most precious possession. Let us share it with others: let us slow down in our haste to follow our own desires and consider other people. Because we are in the world, we are part of it and each other. Don't wait until it is too hte; don't begrudge any kindness you can bestow now. Humanity is your responsibility; the person you may never meet again is your responsibility. Is thot notion so very impractiul? hove it for yourself today. Show somebne you care. "No man is an island, enttre of itself . . . any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind", John Donne.

M.B.

Page One