Her name was Hattie, and I learned more from her than she ever learned from me. While visiting an aunt in an assisted living complex, I couldn't help but notice the people sitting and staring out their windows, not looking at anything. I asked my aunt if this was an everyday thing. She explained that they are primarily elderly and disabled, left behind in today's world of technology and electronics. They feel like prisoners in their own homes because they have no idea what people are talking about. They have never used a cell phone or even turned on a computer. Some of them need to learn how to operate the remote control for their televisions before they can even watch TV. I won't even mention the terminology. I told my aunt to ask around and see if anyone wanted some help to learn about these things. If they did, I would come over on weekends to see if I could help them. It was only a short time before. I needed more than just doing it on the weekends, so I was also going over two and three nights during the week. Before this, I wanted to design computer games. Not anymore. I want to develop interactive software to help people learn about these things. So that everyone has the chance to stay relevant in their own life. One day this petite, gray-haired lady came and sat beside me. Her smile was so infectious I couldn't help but smile right back at her. She looked up and said, "Look around." What do you see? I told her I didn't know what she was talking about. She said to look closely. People were coming out of their homes, talking to each other, helping each other learn. They were smiling and laughing. No more watching life go by. They were feeling alive again. They were participating with others and the world around them. That lady's name was Hattie. I had the honor of being there and watching Hattie use her cell phone for the first time. She called her daughter, who had a four-week-old daughter of her own. All her kids live in other states, so not only was this the first time she talked to her daughter in a couple of years this was the first time she had seen her new grandchild. Hattie's world will never be the same again; now, she can see her kids whenever she wants. They are only a phone call away. Altruism is a concept of psychology, philosophy, and ethics that refers to the selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others. It is characterized by acts of kindness, compassion, and helping behaviors performed without expecting personal gain or benefit. Altruism plays a significant role in various aspects of human life, from personal relationships and community interaction to humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions. It can increase cooperation, social cohesion, and a sense of interconnectedness among individuals and groups. Altruistic individuals prioritize the needs and interests of others and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, even at their own expense. This behavior can make us feel good about ourselves, strengthen our relationships with others, and improve the world. Studies have shown that people that practice these behaviors are more likely to have a robust immune system, lower blood pressure, and lower stress levels. Volunteering your time, donating money, or simply being kind and compassionate to those around you are all acts of Altruism. Every little bit makes a difference.

Her name was Hattie, and I learned more from her than she ever learned from me. While visiting an aunt in an assisted living complex, I couldn't help but notice the people sitting and staring out their windows, not looking at anything. I asked my aunt if this was an everyday thing. She explained that they are primarily elderly and disabled, left behind in today's world of technology and electronics. They feel like prisoners in their own homes because they have no idea what people are talking about. They have never used a cell phone or even turned on a computer. Some of them need to learn how to operate the remote control for their televisions before they can even watch TV. I won't even mention the terminology. I told my aunt to ask around and see if anyone wanted some help to learn about these things. If they did, I would come over on weekends to see if I could help them. It was only a short time before. I needed more than just doing it on the weekends, so I was also going over two and three nights during the week. Before this, I wanted to design computer games. Not anymore. I want to develop interactive software to help people learn about these things. So that everyone has the chance to stay relevant in their own life. One day this petite, gray-haired lady came and sat beside me. Her smile was so infectious I couldn't help but smile right back at her. She looked up and said, "Look around." What do you see? I told her I didn't know what she was talking about. She said to look closely. People were coming out of their homes, talking to each other, helping each other learn. They were smiling and laughing. No more watching life go by. They were feeling alive again. They were participating with others and the world around them. That lady's name was Hattie. I had the honor of being there and watching Hattie use her cell phone for the first time. She called her daughter, who had a four-week-old daughter of her own. All her kids live in other states, so not only was this the first time she talked to her daughter in a couple of years this was the first time she had seen her new grandchild. Hattie's world will never be the same again; now, she can see her kids whenever she wants. They are only a phone call away. Altruism is a concept of psychology, philosophy, and ethics that refers to the selfless concern for the well-being and welfare of others. It is characterized by acts of kindness, compassion, and helping behaviors performed without expecting personal gain or benefit. Altruism plays a significant role in various aspects of human life, from personal relationships and community interaction to humanitarian efforts and charitable contributions. It can increase cooperation, social cohesion, and a sense of interconnectedness among individuals and groups. Altruistic individuals prioritize the needs and interests of others and are willing to make sacrifices for the greater good, even at their own expense. This behavior can make us feel good about ourselves, strengthen our relationships with others, and improve the world. Studies have shown that people that practice these behaviors are more likely to have a robust immune system, lower blood pressure, and lower stress levels. Volunteering your time, donating money, or simply being kind and compassionate to those around you are all acts of Altruism. Every little bit makes a difference.

To honor one's country is not just words but a way of life for the family that adopted me. On my dad's side, my father, his two brothers, and their father served in the Navy. His grandfather and great-grandfather served in the Army. On my mother's side, her father and uncle served in the Army. Her oldest son, his wife, and their two daughters served in the Air Force. My stepfather was a Navy Pilot during the Korean War and Vietnam. He flew an F4U-Corsair and went swimming off the coast of Korea due to a catapult failure during take-off from the aircraft carrier. He was fished from the sea and went on to fly many more missions. Growing up, I had three rules that were very important to my parents. 1. Never waste a chance to learn something new. 2. Always be willing to help another. 3. Never settle for a B when an A can be earned. When I was in the sixth grade, I broke rule #1. I had to write ten pages out of the dictionary for my punishment. I had to write every word on each page, the definition of that word, and make up a sentence correctly using that word. Writing pages out of the dictionary was how my parents punished/disciplined me. I learned my lesson and obtained knowledge at the same time. One day I asked my parents why those three rules were so important. The following is the answer I received: Millions of Americans dedicated and gave their lives for this country. It is because of them we have the freedom to enjoy the lives we live today. The best way to thank them is to honor them by living our best life. Don't ever settle or make excuses for yourself. To live your best life, you must first be the best you can be. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to meet many veterans that have served our country. Unfortunately, most of them have been and are homeless. Most of my family all pitch in and collect things whenever we can, like clothing, blankets, and personal items. We then make up bundles with some of everything in each and pass them out to the homeless vets. Talking with them, I learned that clean socks are the most crucial thing they want/need. They explained that when you are homeless, the first and most important thing you do is take care of your feet. Your feet get you where you need to be. Carry you away from danger, where to get food, shade, shelter, and water. So I tell everyone that will listen to me. Whenever you are out shopping, please pick up a pair or two of socks, leave them in your car, and the next time you see a homeless person, offer them a new clean pair of socks. After all, there is a good chance that person put their life on the line for us. The least we can do is offer them a pair of socks. I have spent the last four years helping others learn how to use a cellphone, a T.V. remote even a couple of computers. I plan on developing interactive software that will teach those who missed out on learning about today's technology. This will allow them to participate in society today. I have seen how it makes them happier. I have learned and felt how happy it makes me to help others.