Being Human
A short essay (plus FREE gift) for those who ponder on what it's like to be human.
Greetings from Lancaster, UK, where I spent the past few days visiting my alma mater.
Though quaint, Lancaster is not a big place, and there’s little to do. I remembered how lonely I’d felt as a student in 2016.
This time around, it felt like a different me was walking there. You know how you go back to a place after years with all your preconceived notions but it turns out to be exactly the opposite? I certainly felt so.
Firstly, I didn’t go back as a student, rather as an instructor for a guest lecture. It was an incredible experience to stand in the aula and be the lecturer, versus sitting down and watching a lecturer do their magic.
The students’ hopeful eyes looking at me, and their curious expressions reminded me of how it had felt back then, to struggle with not living at home and having to manage your life independently all at once. To work hard for the purpose of good grades, and to enjoy that moment of '‘ahh, I scored well on this term paper’’. It all came back to me.
I looked at my former lecturer smiling at me, whilst I was delivering the session on personal branding to the students, and fought back a tear.
She had kindly given me this opportunity to inspire her current students. I used to observe her during lectures and ask her millions of questions, which she’d patiently answer. For our group projects, she’d guide me and give me tips. Ditto regarding term papers.
This time, I asked her for some suggestions and she only told me about my target audience. ‘This session is yours, Raksha. I’m sure you will do great, whichever way you have in mind.’’ Just how blessed am I for her confidence in me, I thought.
I noticed how my dear lecturer had changed compared to the last time I’d seen her. Her hair a different colour, her voice and skin more mature. Her nature was the same, sweet but determined; of a woman who had been through a lot and knew how to be gentle yet firm when needed. Giving others the chance to take over after a great duty has been done.
And that’s when it hit me how much we can all be like her if we try.
As a baby, we are born with limited abilities. We cry when hungry, and slowly learn to crawl. When we can stand up and reach for things, our parents make sure we don’t hurt ourselves with sharp objects. They shield us from the cupboard edges, steep stairs, and table corners.
The extreme sense of care they exercise over us reduces over the years because we grow up and learn how to take care of ourselves. Their love, however, doesn’t diminish.
The cycle repeats itself and we give this care, guidance and love to someone else. Or many others, for that matter, regardless of being a human or another species, like a plant, insect, or an animal. We learn to love at home and we carry that love over to others.
It’s strange how we are not explicitly told “this is how one should love”. We deduce it from the care we receive.
The phone calls that are made to check in on us. The pat on the back when we did a good job, and the hug when we are feeling disheartened. Yes, that is love. That is what being human is all about.
One must not forget the contribution of sadness, scars, and tears to our lives. The feeling of being in the driver’s seat is fleeting. But soon someone else takes over, and you become the passenger instead.
Being human means we must learn to be the student, as well as the teacher someday. We must be able to both hold on to and pass on the baton with grace, care, and humility.
And we must remember that we have so much to share with others. Or as my lecturer said “We are all souls learning from each other”.
I hope you enjoy the musings on being human in the gift I have for you.
I hope you download and place it somewhere to remind yourself of this adventure we call life. May you enjoy being human :)
With my love and gratitude,
Raksha
As usual Raksha, your writing dazzles with enchantment. So glad you enjoyed a new perspective on Lancaster.
So beautifully written Raksha I did not know you studied in Lancaster. Thank you very much for the “being human” poster I shall put it in my office. Xx