Karma is the law of moral causation, or in more simple terms, it means “what goes around comes around.”  The teen years are an appropriate time to remember this statement, as assorted difficulties affect each and every member of this demographic.

It seems that although it is inevitable that each student has gone through their own personal tragedy at one point or another, the general attitude of Lewis- Palmer is unchanged. Although I am grateful to go to such a well-maintained school with an involved student body as well as faculty, it has come to my attention that there is an undercurrent of judgment, gossip stemming from boredom, and pre-conceived notions here at Lewis- Palmer.

In a town as small as Monument, restless teenagers will go to great lengths for an adrenaline rush. Many find this excitement in starting idle gossip that seems harmless. But as I already stated, Monument is a very small town, so reputations do have a habit of following people around, especially since so many students are all too eager to spread disparaging comments along to anybody who seems remotely interested. This reputation can follow that person around and affect their life at work and at home, two places the false words of catty teenagers should have no influence.

Another way a reputation can be formed is simple: one simply has to be in the same general vicinity as another person, and because of the way their hair is styled or the clothes they are wearing; it will be assumed that they fit into a certain stereotype. One may not realize that the cheerleader you assume is vapid actually has a 4.0 and wants to go to an Ivy League school, or the punk kid that is assumed to be tough and scary is actually having a tough time at home and is afraid and lonely.

Struggles affect each member of our community differently. Some may openly mourn or speak about their troubles, while some choose to keep their sorrow inside. So while it is easy to believe that just because a person puts a happy face on for school, they are truly happy; this is not always the case.

The simple truth is, it is impossible to know for sure what is going on in another’s life, especially if you are not affiliated with them in any way. With that in mind, it is very important to be conscious of how indolent words may be affecting another’s life. It may be just one more unnecessary stressor during a time of hardship.

Just because someone doesn’t dress in a way that is considered acceptable, participate in the same extracurricular activities as most people, or hang out with the most “popular” crowd does not mean that it is acceptable for harsh words to be said about them. Underneath it all, we are all human. Words really can hurt, no matter the tough exterior one may project to the rest of the world.

Choosing to walk a path of positivity and acceptance, rather than negativity and judgment, is not an easy task. But the smallest gestures make the biggest differences, as cliché as it sounds. A simple smile may make someone’s day. Complimenting somebody’s shirt could lift their spirit more than one would expect during a time of difficulty in their life.

Assuming that “what goes around comes around”, choosing to be a light in an age where many are shrouded with dark times may pay off when tragedy strikes. Kindness is beautiful in any way, shape, or form.