Rooting For Each Other

Growing up, my siblings and I had the privilege of living in the same town as my paternal grandparents for our entire pre-college lives. My grandparents have always been a fixture in my day-to-day routine. I'd see them at least once a week growing up. Now, away from home, I call them all the time. Growing up they were at every recital (my Grandma even taught me piano), at every play, at every sports game, and at every birthday party. I have been beyond lucky to have their support. My grandparents have also always been and remain my biggest heroes. Today, I'd like to take a little time to list just a few of the lessons that I've learned from my Grandmother. Family is most important.  Music is one of the most powerful forces in the world and can heal broken hearts. You can't expect to get any better at something if you don't practice.  Send handwritten thank you cards-- and often.  When in doubt, always go for Mexican food. Exercise often and for your entir...

In 2015 I read an anthology of the writings of Mahatma Gandhi (this particular edition was edited by Louis Fischer, and I highly recommend it. You can purchase it  here . All page numbers noted below are from this compilation.). I closed the pages of this book with renewed dedication to justice and the work of God. What struck me most about Gandhi's teachings was his dedication to "peace at any price save that of truth" (234). Since reading  The Essential Gandhi , I've found myself focusing daily on the importance of truth and how that importance should guide my actions. Because of the political climate this election year brings, I can't help but look at how the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi informs present social issues. Many current movements hinge on the philosophies of Gandhi and another revolutionary you may have heard of, Martin Luther King Jr, making now an excellent time to review what made the mahatma great. As I was reading I kept finding quotes that I ...