Last updated: November 28, 2024
This statement was included in my 2024 application for the Adrian D.C. Chan Award.
I need people I can depend on and people who can depend on me. So, I contribute to my communities to build a support network. A life is not tragic because of specific circumstances. Life becomes tragic when someone in need has no one they can turn to for help. Communities are who we turn to for help - but they take work. You can't buy your way in. Only after repeated, genuine acts of giving your time and attention to others is your support network built.
Contributing to your communities also leads to a life you can be proud of. I'm reminded of Terence's parting words to George Bailey, "No man is a failure who has friends." It's true, the most wonderful life, a life we can be proud of, one without regret and a different type of richness, is centered around friends and community. What we do for money matters very little in the end. I hope I can continue to live these lessons.