Smiles and The Little Things

            

The American Dream is an ideal many, if not all of us, try to achieve and maintain. Though, as time has gone on our perception of what the American Dream actually is has changed dramatically and is diverse in many opinions. One thing that many, even myself, have included in the equation is money—security. We fear failure of not achieving our goals or settling and sometimes even fear we won’t make as much money as the person next to us or in the Range Rover driving by us. I cannot exclude myself from the perception or the desire. A lot of the time, we can all get caught up in the idea of what we hope our life can be, especially when we think we see others living it right in front of us. What is most important to recognize is that sometimes people can admire you too.

Throughout the past few weeks I have made countless late night trips to the dining hall whether it is for a muffin or tea. No matter the circumstance, I am always greeted by one face in particular, Ana. She is a small, quiet, humble woman who works in the dining hall collecting and distributing silverware for the students. Many of us, including me for a while, take for granted those unique individuals who set our dining tables, make our food, and swipe our cards as we drunkenly spill all over the cash registers on weekends. From all of us, I would like to apologize for the moments when we made asses out of ourselves or annoyed you all to your inner core. But especially, I would like to acknowledge Ana who, for some particular reason, never loses her gentle smile, tenderness, and warm spirit, even when a lot of us will overlook her or knock the silverware everywhere. Today, when I saw you, Ana, I waved and said, “hello,” to which you quietly smiled back and said, “thank you.” Sure, it seems generic and a manner in which a lot of our casual conversations start but Ana is very different.

It is hard to explain why it is that some people have the capability to evoke your deepest emotions or warm our hearts but we can at least recognize that such things happen. Maybe they do not need explanations; instead, we can just relish those tender moments with the individuals and near-strangers that personify our shared humanity. More importantly, we can relish the individuals who act with humility and grace; qualities that are abundantly displayed on a daily basis. Our dining halls—actually, our lives would seem quite empty if you were to not be in them anymore, Ana. It is individuals like these who may have one of the most simple or complicated lives but never fail to operate and interact with a smile and generosity in their spirit.

Looking at Ana and her gentle smile everyday makes me, and hopefully others, reevaluate the narrow-mindedness we tend to approach our perceptions of life with. Like I said before, we may admire certain material things, money, or security but people like Ana may admire our qualities and lifestyles too. Perception and aspiration are two-way streets in our world, and maybe it is about time we recognize that. I find myself looking forward to seeing more individuals like Ana nowadays, seeing the people who embody the truest form of humility and grace. Sometimes it is not the glamour that completes us, the money, or even the comfortable bed. Rather, it is our shared connection that is the most rewarding of all. I value those little smiles and moments with you, Ana, and with all those small but significant people that make themselves present in my life. Those people, the hard-workers with the gentle souls, allow us to step out of the complexities of reality and our overwhelming desires and simply smile or start a conversation.

Take as many moments as you can to thank those individuals who seem insignificant because you never know whose day you may make. You may bring a tear to a small, older woman who places silverware, a laugh to the little boy working at a school where you volunteer, or a smile from the janitor who may not speak English but loves getting waves. Try something sincere to someone you admire and you may surprise yourself at the reactions you get back. Those are the greatest and most beautiful moments in life. Thanks Ana, I cannot help but see so many qualities of the closest people in my life emulated in you as well. You inspire me and I encourage all of you to embrace that humility too. Enjoy the little smiles and the little things. Here is to a better tomorrow.

-M