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Different day, different war

By Alisa Hill
Staff Writer

War and rumors of war have encouraged me to pay attention to the students who sit next to me in class because all of us may know life differently this time next year.

Last semester I came to know a fellow student who had served in Desert Storm. As we conversed, I discovered that even though this man had returned to school, he was still active in the reserves. We spoke concerning the hotspots around the world and he said he was fully prepared to go back into service should a war break out at any time. As I spoke to him I was saddened as I realized this fine young man to whom I was enjoying talking might not be alive this time next year.

This semester I met a young woman who is engaged to a man who is in military service and preparing to go to the Middle East. After this semester, her plan is to join the service. I asked her how she felt about possibly serving in a war and she replied that she felt it was her duty to serve her country. She exhibits absolutely no fear of the potential death war could bring to her life.

Also at North Lake College I have met individuals from other countries who have values and personalities which I find commendable. Unfortunately, should we go to war we may find circumstances which force changes in the way we act and react to each other.

Often I’ve heard the phrase “If I only knew when I was young what I know today ..." Maybe that is why I’m being so reflective on those I encounter on campus. Being of the mature persuasion, I recollect my first kiss. It was from a young man who was going off to the war in Vietnam. Wedding plans were never fulfilled, as he was so altered mentally by what he encountered in Vietnam.

I’ve been there, maybe in another decade, but the lesson is still true. Today, value those you interact with because tomorrow may present an absence of those who populate your life now.

The absence may be a permanent absence, so cherish the gift of the present.

(Alisa Hill is a staff writer majoring in journalism.)