Becoming great is a positive thing, but can be a problem in terms of the process. It strikes me that human beings are naturally self-serving, and self-serving or self-centeredness are terms which we don't usually bring up or realize in our daily lives. Many people are being self-centered to lead themselves to success and self-comfort. We need to realize that the truthful way to success and greater benefits is goodness and not Jim Collins' interpretation of "great." Therefore, we need to change the order of what he is saying. Instead of from good to great, consider how the meaning changes when we say, from great to good. It changes the idea of pursuing our own enrichment, the way we think about how we interact with others, and how we work together to support one another in building a healthier community.

There are moments in our lives that have deep impact. Moments that are brief, but powerful in forming our identities. One of those moments for me came this past summer when I returned to my home in Korea. Korea is one of the countries that is well known for public transportation, and many people prefer it over their own automobiles. While environmentally responsible, this makes public transportation more difficult because it's always crowded, often to the point of standing room only on buses and subways. I often find myself on a bus, and just as often find that I absolutely hate it. I have never been claustrophobic, but in this particular bus, I felt panic rising in my chest. I could barely move. It felt like the temperature was over 100˚. Sweaty men, women, and children surrounded me. I could barely breathe, and the smell was overpowering. I am embarrassed to tell you that those were not the worst parts. The worst part was how I found myself behaving in this environment. I reverted to a more primal state of survival, searching for an empty seat. It was sit or stand, and people were behaving like it was a matter of life or death. I remember that I muscled an old lady and her niece out of my way because she had her eye on the same seat as I did, and other people were pushing and pulling and competing for that seat as well. I noticed the old lady glaring at me and I soon caught myself and apologized by offering the seat to her niece. I was mortified to find myself being inconsiderate of others. The situation seemed so desperate and so important then; and tonight, standing here, so silly and incredibly trivial. Another example of how thinking of others first is a luxury.

In situations like the one I have mentioned; my default behavior is to think of myself. Of my own benefit. We may see an elderly, pregnant, or an injured person without a seat, and some of us would offer ours. Sadly, many of us would not, sitting down and disappearing into our cell phone world. Most people seek their own comfort first, even if for a very brief period. People live in the moment for themselves and there is no thought of a better, more empathetic society. We feel like we cannot sacrifice our own well-being, even for a moment. That is our natural state. But I tell you tonight, it does not have to be that way and our lives can mean so much more than fighting for empty seats on an overcrowded bus. Reflecting on this experience, I began to wonder about who I am and about who we are, and asked myself if it has to be this way. According to Mother Teresa, "When a poor person dies of hunger, it has not happened because God did not take care of him or her. It has happened because neither you nor I wanted to give that person what he or she needed."

The instinct of ours, the instinct to "survive" on our own is what "fosters our necessary sense of self-centeredness." Thinking about it, our self-serving nature manifests itself in much more subtle ways such as holding the door for another, offering a seat to an elderly, and more. I know most Saint Mary's students aren't like this, but our school is just a small portion of the society and there are numerous people out there who are not able to limit their self-centered minds. My parents often told me that constantly thinking about and doing what's best for me is ultimately good for others as well. But is it really? Are we doomed to embrace our true self-centered instincts? Or can we gradually try to fix it by being more open minded towards differences and accepting change? By making ourselves more vulnerable, we can easily rely on others and hopefully support one another whenever we encounter difficulties. Instead of becoming greater, ultimately pursuing a path of self-actualization, we can return to being good and embracing goodness and cooperation.

During my time at Saint Mary's, I have heard, this is not like the real world. However, my response is pretty simple. Why not? Why can't we take our attitudes of inclusion and acceptance outside of our gates? Why can't we think of others first? It starts with opening the door for someone else and helping someone who has dropped her books. And it all starts with us. As I think back on my experiences, and on the times when change seemed unlikely, if not impossible, I am reminded myself of Margaret Mead's life-changing and life-affirming quote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Thank you.

Yubin Kwon '19
Junior Speech Oct. 2017