Lessons Learned

Baking cookies, playing board games, hiking up the beautiful California paths, painting, and having fashion shows with my sister in my grandma’s closet. What do these things all have in common? They are parts of prominent memories from my childhood that involve my grandparents. I am incredibly lucky to not only have a set of grandparents I am able to see a few times a year, but to have the ones that care as much as they do and have influenced my life in such a positive way. I can say with absolute certainty that the best pieces of advice I have been given have come from my grandparents. 

I distinctly remember the moment I learned more about my grandfather, William, and his childhood. It was a hot summer day and we sat together on the porch and he explained to me his life in Syria. He grew up with plenty of siblings to keep him company, and all worked hard to achieve their goals. He told me stories about being ranked number 1 in Syria and explained to me that applying yourself is more important than anything. I have never felt more inspired and believed in than I did in that moment. He inspired me to care and helped me understand that I can do anything I set my mind to. Matthew Sun ‘24’s grandparents have also taught him lessons regarding how to live a full life commenting that “Something that from just watching them in general is just love what you do. Love what you want to do and lead a happy life.” His grandparents showed this to him by “just being present with me when I was little, always having fun and trying to be happy in the moment.” 

Academics aren’t the only lesson they’ve given to me. My grandmother is the kindest and most patient person I have ever met. I vividly remember her explaining examples of when she had benefited from being nice to others. She has taught me that being kind is vital, however if that kindness isn’t reciprocated, then I shouldn’t bend over backwards for those people. My grandmother, Mooneen, is an artist and I love thinking about our moments painting together or playing around with loose fabric. Any time she comes to visit my family, she always leaves when I am not home. Her solution to this is leaving little notes around my room for me to find when I get home. How happy these have made me helped me realize that little acts of kindness can drastically improve someone’s day. Kiana Poul ‘24 says that “My grandma is very kind. She’s a very quiet woman so whenever we have conversations or meals together she’s very quiet but any of the stuff that she says is very valuable. So she has taught me that quiet people sometimes have the most important things to say.”