When did I become aware of the world? I don’t believe there was only one event in my life that made me become aware of what is happening in the world. Although I don’t have a specific moment, I can think of many events that might have had a critical influence. These could be from a news report that I’ve seen, to personal experience.
One of these personal experiences could be my trip to the United States and to Canada. This was my first and only experience with the Americas. I’ve been to places like New York, the Niagara Falls, etc. This showed some things; at least that is what I remember from this trip, since I was only six years old. Since then, I didn’t have any physical experience from the “far West”.
If I would have to choose the exact moment I became aware of the world it would be the day after the terrorist attack of bus line 37, in Haifa, Israel. On that bus, at the time it exploded, many middle and high school kids were riding it. One of the unfortunately dead kids was a boy that used to go to my elementary school. The day after the terrorist attack, his friends prepared a stand in the principle entrance of my school and showed pictures of him and his yearbook page. It was a weird feeling. It could be anyone I know. When I saw the pictures, the boy really reminded me of a friend I used to play basketball with, so the impact was much stronger in that moment. In addition, the horrible bomb exploded right in front of my grandmother’s house. Luckily, nothing happened to her. Even today there is still a wall with the names of all the killed people in this attack and how old were they.
Another big event that helped me to become more aware of the world was a news report that took place in September 9th, 2001. This was important, although it was not my first awareness of terrorist attacks. This event showed me that the same problem that affected my country also affected other nations, don’t matter how far they were. I was aware, in that moment, I believe, that terrorism affected many other countries, not just Israel. As well, this was the first memory I have from a conflict in the West.
I believe no one can point one moment in his life in which he/she became aware of the world, but they can point out some events and experiences that led them to this accomplishment.
Interesting reflection. I liked that you described concrete experiences that helped you understand the world differently. Writing conventions are good and clean, only an odd comma here or there.
Comment by pastimperfect — September 23, 2008 @ 1:52 pm