Final Reflection "Relativity vs. Reality"

      We find ourselves in the center of a society in which everyone is continuously pushing and exhausting themselves to get ahead of their peers and to get the next best thing or job promotion. Everyone else’s yard seems a bit greener and our latest purchases and achievements are instantly overshadowed the second we feel someone has it better. Even as students we are continuously comparing ourselves to others whether it be via social status or in the classroom, and we have grown to view the term “settling” in such a negative way that regardless of our current achievements, we naturally look for the next way to try and surge ahead. I’m not saying that there is anything wrong with trying to be a better you than the day before, regardless of how oneself may perceive “better”, but we have come to a point where we are unable to appreciate our personal success’ and situations without comparing them to someone else’s.

            This Thailand trip has vastly broadened my perspective and highlighted my appreciation towards our lives here in the United States. Too frequently are we unable to see the reality of our situations and would rather view them in relativity to someone else. This sense of reality vs. relativity arose entirely due to this trip.

            Over our four-week internship we experienced anything from psychiatric wards in which patients were isolated from society to HIV/AIDS clinics in which patients were quite literally knocking on deaths door. All of this being surrounded by a city in which poverty rates are extremely higher than anything near Portland, Maine. The economic status of the city also limits the supporting hospitals to spend money solely on sanitation as opposed to having the luxury to buy comfort.

            What was amazing to witness was how little the socioeconomic status of these patients affected their attitudes toward their life. Having very little, they were all so extremely appreciative of everything they had and they people that surrounded them. Patients were excited to have us visit their homes and even their bedside’s and were so welcoming and radiated hospitality.  

            The biggest thing I will take away from this trip is the realization of how good each and every one of us have it. We so often complain about work or having to study when there are other people in this world that would die to have the chance or capability to do exactly what it is we complain about. We all should take moments to step back and appreciate the reality of our situations and focus less on relativity compared to others. Returning to the United States I have a much greater appreciation for the opportunities I am lucky enough to embark on, the environments that surround me, and most importantly the people.

Until Next Time,

Travis Frost