Before the trip to the veteran’s home, I did not think visiting the elderly would be an interesting or enjoyable experience. I entered to building preparing for the worst; lectures from old veterans from World War 2. Despite the fact that the first two speakers were captivating and knowledgeable, I continued to dread the next part of the program, the one on one meeting with a veteran. After the two stirring speeches were over, the veterans were brought out, and their biographies announced. Each and every one of those post-war soldiers brought into the room a radiating source of pride, courage, and fearlessness that made me want to go hide in a corner. Never have I felt such a power surge into me; I don’t know what else could have made me frozen to that chair. I felt great joy to be able to hear the personal stories of these veterans, and to be able to ask them my questions, which were inspired by their feats and achievements. It was very sad to see the veterans leave because I had felt a sort of bond between them, although their exploits will far exceed mine.

Though I have always aspired to be a professional in a field, my encounter with the veterans gave me new insights into what constitutes “living life to its fullest”. Fulfilling an aspiration to become a doctor, or a infamous journalist, or a statistician is definitely something to acclaim, but there is a feeling of pride and accomplishment that is even higher. The sacrificing of one’s life and future for the betterment of one’s country deserves the paramount accolade. Sure, being financially successful is worthy of some praise, but the possibility of losing one’s future career, of risking it all, just to support a country in war demands preeminent merit. The superlative quality that I found in the veterans that I talked to was their modesty and lack of grandiloquence. None of them exclaimed that they were the best soldiers or acted like they were “higher” than us. The veteran who talked to me was especially humble, never interrupting me, and always listening intently on what I had to say. Not only did the veterans have these traits, but they also had a knack for some humor. Though war veterans may not be expected to be the most cheerful people, the ones I met seemed very content with their current circumstances in the veteran’s home.

The trip to the veterans home was one of the summer activities I have ever experienced. Keeping this experience in my heart forever, I will always look at my life and ask myself, “Is this what will make people look at me and respect me for something I did?” Though seemingly narcissistic, to be like these veterans and feel the same pride and valor that they do would fulfill one’s dreams and ambitions, those even greater than being successful or having happiness. While saying our goodbyes, the veteran who talked to me thanked me for giving him the chance to talk about himself, and learn a little about me along the way. That totally broke my heart. The idea that these honorable citizens would thank me for my time was too humbling. These veterans are so praiseworthy and modest that I would consider them the “perfect human beings”. This life-altering experience has definitely changed the way I see veterans and nursing homes for the rest of my life.