A Respect for the Past

There is a characteristic of my personality that is fairly distinct as not many 20 year olds are referred to as "an old soul". At 12 years old, I spent my early Sunday mornings scrutinizing the Dallas Morning News and listening to classical Jazz. Growing up in a household where both sides of my family came from New Orleans, jazz meant Frank Sinatra or Etta James for easy listening. Over time my ear grew accustomed to those old fashioned tunes; I could never shake my appreciation for the history and culture behind the music. That appreciation can also be attributed to my 87 year old grandfather, the person who holds my highest respect. Discussing great literature or worldly affairs with him allowed me to develop a curiosity for history.

Learning about the 1940's and 1950's captured my attention when I took United States history in high school. I was fascinated with the Great Depression and post World War II economy and lifestyle overall. I appreciate that time frame because it reminds me to appreciate life and live it to the fullest. That era had the uncanny ability to recognize and embrace simplicity; today I find this to be difficult with the technology and media. There is a great balance between respecting the past and building on the future. 

The June following my junior year of high school, I attended a congressman's Leadership and Growth Program in Washington D.C.. Between the hustle and bustle atmosphere of the residents and the overload of great American landmarks, I was mesmerized. After that trip, I was able to connect a childhood memory with a new one. I began reading the Washington Post daily at the start of my senior year, trying to encompass that past with the present. The newspaper selection that I review now is widespread, from the Washington Post to the Wall Street Journal. The practice of reading the newspaper holds the same precedence it has for the past eight years, though it may mean I am more dated than the typical 20 year old. It is characteristic that will always remind me of my grandfather and the long talks we shared through my lifetime. From this I can takeaway to appreciate the past and to carryout the traditions that define who I am.