Better People

In general, people are very interesting beings. We have various traits that identify us and set us apart from animals or other species. One characteristic that identifies humans is that we can adapt and change our lives according to our environment. One might ask: “But how can we as people create a more welcoming environment between ourselves?” To answer that, we need to do a couple of things.

One of them is becoming more capable to listen, which in itself holds the key for people to improve in many ways. This is because when we listen, we get told tips by the people around us on what we can do to improve ourselves to become better people. In today’s world everybody wants to speak but not a lot of people are willing or able to listen.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” (from the Blacklist)

Listening also paves the way for another essential tool, which is the virtue of patience. This can help us a lot because when we are patient with one another, we begin to appreciate beautiful things such as simple gestures that otherwise we would have taken for granted. Last but not least, through patience, we also begin to learn how to control ourselves, our thoughts and emotions.

“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.” (from the Blacklist)

If we start cultivating patience and try hard at becoming better listeners we will become better people. We can practice both of these by truly caring for each other.

Schools may start promoting more student organisations such as school councils and clubs that involve teamwork and working together for the same goal: e.g. gardening club. This will help because, in school clubs like these, one learns to be patient with one another and listen to other people’s ideas. It can also nurture a culture where similarities and differences are acknowledged within a group, thus leading to learning new skills on how to plan and organise an activity.

I also strongly believe in the Salesian ethos and method of approach. The way teachers promote trust relationships that lead to a sense of friendship with the students is truly an indescribable experience. I might say that teachers do not remain merely teachers. The experience of the Salesian family spirit gives birth to a tailor-made experience and that eventually catalyses a fond relationship with God who can be felt in the love between one another.

Written by: Sam Delia