Panama Speech Essay

Submitted By megofanegg
Words: 1131
Pages: 5
Open Document
Megan Eberhardt
Mrs. Richards
AP Lang and Comp
25 March 2014

Lately, all I have wanted is a car. Everyone seems to have one, except for me. But when I really start to think about how important it is, I question why I want one. It is not because it’s necessary, but because everyone else has one and I don’t. Wanting the car doesn't make my life any better, it just takes up space in my mind. Always thinking about yourself takes up space in your mind and heart that could be used to actually make a difference in someone’s’ life. Last summer I had the chance to go to Panama on a mission trip. I wasn't all that excited about going. I mean, who thinks it sounds fun to go camp on a concrete slab in the middle of a jungle in a village with wild dogs and chickens running around trying to talk to people who don't speak the same language as you. At first, all I thought about was my own comfort; where I was sleeping, what I would have to eat, if I would be too hot, and if I would have enough water. Those selfish thoughts didn’t allow me to focus on what others needed, and I wasn’t helping anyone. Once I stopped thinking about myself, I was able to help others and the trip changed my life. We weren't going there as tourists, or for a relaxing vacation, or to buy cool Panama hats, but to make a difference in the lives of the Panamanian people. While we were in their village, we helped them build buildings for a few days, but most of the time we were just present with them. I think that was the most important part. We didn't bring them gifts, or take them anywhere, and most of us couldn’t even speak their language, we just went where they were and poured our lives into theirs. That trip changed my perspective. I realized if I only focus on myself, it doesn’t do anyone any good. Also, we don’t need to gain people’s love by buying them a gift, or taking them some place enjoyable, but really all we have to do is show them we care to make a difference in their life. Recently, a book was published called, Kisses from Katie. The book was about a girl named Katie Davis, who had everything she wanted. She had the perfect boyfriend, was going to the perfect college, to get the perfect degree, to have the perfect job and later, to have the perfect life. She gave up all that to go to Africa to work with orphans, whose lives were far from perfect. She noticed that the orphans in Africa desperately needed someone to care for them, and she ended up adopting thirteen of them. Even though she could only adopt thirteen children out of the many millions, she is still making a difference in the lives of thirteen children. Davis said, “It may take place in a foreign land or it may take place in your backyard, but I believe that we were each created to change the world for someone. To serve someone.” Changing people’s lives doesn't always have to take place half way around the world like it did for Katie Davis. In order to make a difference where you are, you have to get over your own wants and look for people in need.
Maybe some of you have seen the man around Gig Harbor who wears camouflage clothing and pushes around a shopping cart full of all his possessions. My mom has been saying for a few weeks that she wanted to help him in some way. Last week she was driving and saw him outside of McDonald’s. She immediately turned out of the round-a-bout and went through the drive through to pick him up a savory Big Mac, fries, and coffee. She proceeded to give it to him and she said he ran up to the car and was so thankful for the food. She had a conversation with him, learning that he called himself Lord Jonathan, and he said, “There’s an empire on the rise, there’s a war in
Show More

Related Documents: Panama Speech Essay

Theodore Roosevelt: A War Hero

the “Great White Fleet.” He was very fascinated with the U.S military. He wanted us to be the biggest and most powerful. He helped expedite completion of the Panama Canal by providing secretive approval of the Panama revolution (Morris, 1998, p. 2 paragraph 1). He used the money to get the navy to block Columbians from landing in the Panama. However, Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 for his role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese…

Words 874 - Pages 4

The Monroe Doctrine: Mexican President Benito Juarez

The Monroe Doctrine was articulated in President James Monroe’s seventh annual message to the Congress on December 2, 1823. This Doctrine warned European powers not to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. The doctrine was conceived to meet major concerns of the moment and it was invoked in 1865 when U.S. government applied diplomatic and military pressure in support of the Mexican President Benito Juarez. This Support enabled Juarez to lead a successful revolt against the Emperor Maximilian…

Words 384 - Pages 2

Summary Of Reagan's Speech 'The Space Shuttle' Challenger Tragedy

Ronald Reagan, in his speech, “The Space Shuttle ‘Challenger’ Tragedy,” conveys his thoughts to the Nation on the tragedy and deaths revolving the Challenger accident. Reagan’s purpose is to address the country after the loss of seven astronauts and reassure the people of the progress that will still be made in space. He utilizes sympathetic tone, logos, and pathos to honor the men and women lost on the Challenger and to put the nation back at ease. Reagan opens his speech using a sympathetic tone…

Words 723 - Pages 3

Bush: Gulf War and Strategic Arms Reduction Essay

WALKER BUSH (1989 – 1993) Major accomplishments Bush sent American troops into Panama to overthrow the regime of General Manuel Noriega, who was threatening the security of the canal and the Americans living there. Noriega was brought to the United States for trial as a drug trafficker. Bush was appalled by Noriega’s thwarting of democracy when he nullified the results of a democratically elected president in Panama. Because of US interests to promote democracy and humanitarianism in the world,…

Words 1145 - Pages 5

Theodore Roosevelt: A Great Leader

demonstrated his patriotism and determination to see things through which helped motivate and led people to keep pushing forward. There was also an assassination attempt made against Theodore Roosevelt during a speech where he was hit by a bullet. He fought through the pain and stayed to finish his speech for the people. Teddy Roosevelt pushed away his own health, shows us how great his motivation personal motivation…

Words 1103 - Pages 5

State Of The Union Speech

audiences were the Speaker, Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and all the fellow Americans. In President Obama’s speech, he stated some of the important key points that could bring changes in upcoming years. He mainly focused in three key points such as, economic and jobs, education, and Iraq and Afghanistan troops. President Obama speech was very convincing and persuasive to all American people because he promises to bring changes in America. During this time, the nation…

Words 830 - Pages 4

Theodore Roosevelt And Social Reform

They were social activists, the first one from the middle class, who promote political reform in the United States late 19th and early 20th century. This group are all diversed from all levels of society mostly the middle class and some upper classes. Most upper class people believed to bring reform because it will stop capitalist system from being brought down. Most people had no power with corporations which leads to it gave a choice of who can be in office that can do what they want them…

Words 423 - Pages 2

Essay about Theodore Roosevelt and United States

work power. • His speech applies men, those who don't obtain education, however, contain a basic understanding of America and their accomplishments, which are the middle class. • He states that men must take concern on education, so that the false view of the Monroe Doctrine can be eliminated. • The Big- stick policy was regulate through Roosevelt, dealing with Latin America. • He supported Panama’s secession from Colombia in 1903, which led to the construction of the Panama Canal. • In addition…

Words 647 - Pages 3

Obama A More Perfect Union Analysis

fact they differed from the majority and perceived to be significant in politics. Barack Obama and his political ideas came in the spotlight first time in with speech to the Democratic National Convention. The immediate exigence that called Obama’s “A More Perfect Union” speech was a personal crisis ignited by his pastor and friend, Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s remarks on American government playing out in the mass media. Shortly after…

Words 1335 - Pages 6

Describe How Theodore Roosevelt Changed The Federal Government

Theodore Roosevelt and How He Changed the Role of the Federal Government During the existence of the United States, the country has gone through a series of different eras regarding political and economic reforms. In the 1870’s the Gilded Age began in which the United States, though it seemed like a growing and wealthy country underneath, was prominent with corruption and greed. During the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, one of the Gilded Age presidents, the United States suffered an economic crisis…

Words 1694 - Pages 7