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As human beings, are we not expected to discover greatness outside the norms of society and conformity? Should we not challenge ourselves instead of being confined in safety, only to be fed by the big spoon of the desired social system? Living, in itself, is about setting apart one’s self from the world in search of new experiences.
I recently finished reading the real life story of Christopher McCandless from the book, “Into The Wild,” by Jon Krakauer, and I came to realize that most people who aspire to do something great almost always end up not doing it.
This was a story of a college graduate who was so fed up with the brutality of 21st century society that he left his home, friends and family and hitchhiked his way to an Alaskan adventure. It may seem like a brash action taken by a young, restless man hoping to find a fix in his life, but it also points to a bigger picture that we often see but choose to ignore.
We are living in a very comfortable lifestyle right now, to say the least, and we enjoy it so much that sometimes it’s easy to get lost in it. Sure, we may deserve to enjoy the reaping of our hardships and ravel in our fruits of labor, but there is so much more out there, especially in nature, that we can appreciate.
“Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth,” once quoted Henry David Thoreau about relinquishing the factors we hold dear to us, such as human relationships and evil money for a substitute of bold, concrete and life-affirming experiences. Only then will we be able to look ourselves in the mirror and smile knowing that we did something no one else could, which is to strike up something new in our lives.
Now, the question is what should we do then? You can always start out small and alternate your lifestyle by either picking up reading or find a favorite spot in nature to pontificate your thoughts. And if you plan to go big, you could always take a road trip across America and experience all the little exciting wonders along the way.
My greatest goal is to drive from New York to California in what would be the ultimate road trip of my life. I have thought about it for quite some time now and I realized that it’s not something I should think too much about when all I have to do is just take off. Then again, it’s easy to say it right now while I’m being protected in my comfortable dorm room filled with everything I need to survive.
But the plan in this life is not to survive, but to live. And in order to do so, I have to take a moment in my life to do something drastic and dangerous enough that most people would not attempt to do the same. Only then, can I be satisfied and continue living.
seewekg@lanthorn.com
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Pictures of the Year 2012-2013
Courtesy Photo/Joe Kargula and Erik Peterson run the Marathon leg of the Ironman Triathlon
GVL / Robert Mathews Quarterback Heath Parling (12) leading the offense past Notre Dame College.
GVL / Eric Coulter Senior Jake Isaacson placed eigth in the Spartan Invitational. Isaacson's time of 25:04 was the highest among Division II athletes.
GVL/Jessica Hollenbeck Student Senate President Jack Iott speaks to the assembly during Thursday's meeting.
Courtesy / gvsu.edu President Haas and Montcalm Community College President Robert C. Ferrentino sign the transfer agreement
Courtesy Photo/ GVSU Athletic Department Sophomore Chris Cunningham lines up a putt at a past match.
Courtesy Photo / GVSULakers.com Andrew Darrell prepares to return the serve earlier this season.
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Jessica Hollenbeck President Haas cooks pancakes during Family Weekend's "Pancakes with Presidents".
GVL / Archive Forward Briauna Taylor (31) chases down a lose ball in a game last season
Courtesy Photo / Dean Breest Sophomore Allyson Winchester was named the GLIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year after finishing first with a time of 20:48.8.
GVL / Archive GVSU's Breland Hogan rises and fires over three defenders last season.
GVL/Bo Anderson Briauna Taylor leads the fast break during a game earlier this season.
GVL / Robert Mathews Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning, James Moyer, leading a walk through of the Mary Ideam Pew Library
Courtesy Photo / GVSU DII Men's Hockey Jeremy Christopher chases down a puck during a matchup last season.
GVL / Bo Anderson Students and faculty danced under the spectacular light show in the Devos Place Ballroom
GVL / Robert Mathews Martin L�wenberg, holocaust survivor, speaking at the Genocide Awareness Night presentation in the Grand River Room.
Courtesy / Dean Breest Senior Sam Lockhart finishes her indoor career with two individual national championships in weight throw and shot put at the 2013 National Championships.
Archive / Robert Mathews Giancarlo Brugnoni (40) rounding the bases during a previous game.
GVL/Bo Anderson Seniors Christ Koppenaal, Bill Madsen, and Mitch Weber measure the exterior of the Wesley House as part of an energy audit.
GVL / Robert Mathews Senior Anthony Campanella pitching against Tiffin University during the Lakers double header.
GVL / Eric Coulter Brother Jed Smock, a member of Campus Ministry USA, speaks with fervor to a student. Many students, all with differing views, came to watch the Campus Ministry members speak.
GVL / Sean Mouton A passing walker stops to admire some recently constructed pieces of Art Prize 2012.
GVL Archive Senior Nick Gunthorpe follows through and watches his shot at the Ardenson last year. This weekend the team will be playing in South Haven.
GVL / Bo Anderson GVSU's Katie Martin points to her teammate after safely reaching second base.
GVL / Robert Mathews Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons under construction.
GVL / Archive The Grand Valley Rowing Team during Spring Training in Florida last spring.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
GVL / Robert Mathews Judge Glenda Hatchett, keynote guest for Monday's King celebration, speaks in the Grand River Room in Kirkhof.
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