You Can Change People

Just being who you are, you are capable of changing people -- and sometimes, the way they look at the world.

When I had been transferred to a different junior high school while teaching in Japan, as usual there is an office party to welcome the new teachers. It was usually the night of the opening ceremony, so the new teachers usually didn't know the other teachers, unless the had worked with them before.

I was talking with teachers about my background, being a military dependent, and moving around a lot, as well as my reasons for coming to Japan, as well as my opinion thus far. Unknown to me, this had a profound effect on one of the teachers who had overheard my spiel.

Fast forward to about an hour later, when nature called. One of the teachers caught me in the hall as I was returning from the bathroom. He said he was impressed by what he had said. Apparently, he was a little shocked that I had been involved with the U.S. military to some degree (the aforementioned "dependent," basically meaning a spouse or child of a military members; I was the child). Now, I was a buzzed at the time, so I'm kind of fuzzy on the details but apparently his uncle was killed due to some involvement with the military -- I don't remember the reason. At any rate, he said his opinion of me had change -- and somewhat changed his view of the military -- based on the things I had said.

It just goes to show you that things you do, you say, and your beliefs can have a profound impact on those around you. Generally, even a smile and a "hello" can make someone's day brighter.

While I have been able to change some people for the better, I'm also guilty of doing the reverse. But, you know what? You have to live and learn.