Boston Caudle

PERSPECTIVE:

An important concept and philosophy in my life is perspective. This is the lens through which we view the world, which can transform a bad day into a tolerable one, an annoying task into a hobby, and a strict teacher into an overly caring one. I often find myself awake late at night thinking about these concepts and how a single shift in mindset can drastically change a person's life.

As a child, life was fascinating to me. This perspective of wonder created a strong desire to learn and explore new ideas. However, I have not always had the best perspective on life. During difficult periods, I lost motivation and felt isolated. I began to see life through a lens of negativity. Yet after discovering and being reminded of my community, people in my life helped me rediscover the joys of living and reminded me of the importance of my outlook.

One idea about perspective that has stayed with me through life is a psychological term called reciprocal determinism: your outlook influences your behaviors, which in turn shapes your environment. This concept reinforced my belief that perspective affects nearly every aspect of life. Whether facing academic challenges, balancing responsibilities, or pursuing hobbies, I have learned that perspective can turn obstacles into opportunities for success.

Today, I continue to remind myself that how I choose to view the world helps determine my reality. I love being able to see possibility in the world and am always eager to learn from the unique perspectives of others.