In Summary: Why Does Your Life Matter?

When we strip away the political activism, the bickering between democrats and republicans, what are we left with? When mob mentality is stripped away, it reveals the sanctity of the individual. Your life, at it’s very core, is what makes you who you are. And so, why does your life matter?

This fall I’ll be moving away for college, leaving behind everything and everyone I’ve grown close to these past 18 years. I can no longer identify as a student of Beaver Local, or the son of Joy and Jasen Havens. Instead, I must begin the lifelong process of developing my own identity, independent of those groups.

Last night I pondered something I believe each of us should reflect upon. After writing this week’s articles, I asked myself, “How can I do the most good before I leave for college?” Time is limited, but so is the amount of good a person can do. There’s only so many hours in a day, and half of mine are spent consuming inordinate amounts of bagels and coffee.

I heard someone say, “Do something for someone else. And take note of how gratifying it feels to help that person. Truly, there is nothing more gratifying a person can do than help his fellow neighbor.”

This summer, the first summer of my adult life, should be spent doing only the things which matter the most. Spending time with family, volunteering to clean up trash, and giving someone a helping hand are just a few examples of what I mean. As I begin this new chapter of my life, what could be better?

Blaine is a person who chooses his individuality over group membership. Instead of identifying as the “son of”, “member of”, or “president of”, he first, and most importantly, is to be known as Blaine Havens.

A professional athlete does not first identify as such. Instead they are known for the name on their back, then for the team and sport which they play. Look at LeBron James. Is he first himself, or the team which he represents? When I see pictures of him, I don’t see, “pro basketball player.” I see, “LeBron James”. These two things are so close that they can be easily mistaken, but only those who pay the closest attention to this fine detail will truly understand my judgement.

So again I ask, why does your life matter? Is it because you support your family the way you believe you should? Is it because you work a full-time job? Or do you falsely believe it’s because you gave up your own identity to be a member of a certain group?

At the end of the day, we each lay our heads to rest on our own pillows. Who you are and what you choose to make of your life is your own responsibility, not others. And those decisions, when compounded across time, are what make your life matter.