Take nothing for granted

By Pearl Wong

As the world attempts to come to grips with the devastation in Haiti, Earth continues to orbit. People love and people hate; some spend the long weekend in bars and others retreat to reflect. The Golden Globes, not surprisingly, spark debate on who should have won this or that. Birthdays are celebrated and funerals attended, births are rejoiced and cherished ones remembered. The point is, as disasters happen nonsensically, life goes on.

Therefore, in the face of humanity's struggles in the new decade, never forget that we are all interlinked. Like the fibers of cloth, cottons and silks provide and define the rich, diverse textures of our world. Without our colorful brothers and sisters across the globe, humanity would not have reached its heights today with even greater promise against tomorrow's challenges.

Be thankful that while others must reinvent their livelihoods, we were blessed and safe with "anticlimactic" earthquakes.

However, do not forget that our blessings were not given by merit, but by the luck of a draw. While we linger in these hard economic times, remain generous and loving. Give to those who are in need in Haiti and also give back to our local community.

Love your friends and family; there is no need to wait until a given holiday to appreciate those around you. Give a helping hand to a stranger today for tomorrow you may be in need.

Life ought to be filled with as much happiness as possible. So go, dance in the rain and sing in the shower, ski on the slopes of Tahoe or hike through the mountains.

Call your good friends from high school and catch up or call your mom, just to say hello. See the rainbow after every storm; stay up late to gaze upon the stars. Appreciate all aspects of your life, the good times and the challenges. We only live once.

Pearl Wong is a sophomore economics major.