I will never forget the day I was called down to the principal’s office in high school. Thoughts and concerns were flying through my mind faster than the speed of light. Butterflies filled my stomach, sweat covered my palms, and beats pounded ever so hardly through my chest. I stared nervously at the opened doors of her office. I contemplated for a while whether I should walk right in or knock. Until she finally came out from the doors and told me that she leaves her door open because all are welcomed. I proceeded to sit down and there she was with a mysterious grin on her face. She finally presented me with a brochure that read a quote by the late Winston Churchill, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Inside the brochure, was information about a three-week volunteer service program held over the summer in Costa Rica.
I believe in holding opening doors for others.
Holding doors open has been a chivalrous act ever since anyone could remember. When we hold doors open we are greeting someone with kindness and respect. However, I believe that holding doors open signifies much more than just an act of kindness. An opened door symbolizes an opportunity. For me, that day that I was called down to the principal’s office represented an outward journey to embark on.
An opened door greets.
When I arrived in Costa Rica, the faces of many brightened up. The people of the country welcomed me as if I have known them forever. Doing service in Costa Rica was one of the best decisions in my life. Over the course of three weeks I helped build houses for families living in extreme poverty. Along with the work came friendship. I spent time with many children in the villages. Many aspired to be teachers, doctors, and firefighters. Although these children face poverty, the program I was apart of helps raise money for the children to pursue their dreams. By helping raise money, the program tries to benefit the children’s lives by holding a door open and giving them a chance.
An open door calls for an opportunity.
As a student at Penn State I have noticed how true this concept is. We students constantly have a door held open for us. Whether literally or figuratively, we are granted an advantage to pursue all of our dreams if we take time to realize the open door that stands before us. Our parents hold open the door of acceptance and support. Our teachers hold open the door of mentorship to help us pursue our careers. And our peers hold open the doors of friendship and reliability. I was given an opportunity that all began with a fear to walk through those open doors of my high school principal’s office. By heading through that open door, I was able to experience one of the most life-changing journeys. Through that door, one can find a pathway to many things. Whether it is love, success, comfort, or happiness. This is why I believe in holding doors open for others.