Perspective
The effects of poverty are often understated, no matter where in the world you live. Even
in the wealthiest nations, there are thousands of people who suffer from destitution. America is
one of those countries, despite its perceived exceptionalism in all aspects. A lot of those living in
New York bravely escaped third-world countries to reach a better place, only to find that they are
more prone to falling into poverty. Currently, in New York, 14% of the population is
impoverished, which translates to an astounding one in five city children. It is maddening to
think that those same families seeking a better life are the ones who end up suffering the most.
Imagine your head pounding from the excitement and gratitude of getting another chance in life
only to have your potential robbed a second time. I come from Bangladesh, a third-world country
located east of India in South Asia. The poverty rate is quite high at 31.5%. which is almost 1/3
of the population, which says a lot in itself. This means that a lot of people are struggling to live
a normal life with a stable income, proper education, proper shelter, and a stable food source. I
consider myself lucky that I do not come from a population of people who are struggling to make
ends meet. We should never be hesitant to lend a helping hand to those who are not as fortunate
as us and are in need of assistance. By doing so, we can help ensure that everyone has a chance
at a stable and secure life.
Growing up in Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, I was exposed to a great deal of
poverty. On the sidewalks and street corners, it was common to see homeless people begging for
food or money, regardless of the time of day. My mother was an incredibly resourceful person
and abhorred the idea of anything going to waste. On weekends, she would take items such as
clothes that no longer fit my brothers and I, and any extra food we had, and make her way to
Dhanmondi lake to distribute it to the impoverished people there. I remember questioning my
mother, “Mom why are you doing this?” To my surprise, she answered that we must help others
who are less fortunate, saying, “One man’s garbage is another man’s gold”. Though I didn't
comprehend the full weight of her words at the time, I now understand how this experience has
had a profound impact on shaping me into the person I am today.
Fast forward to me being in America I remember one incident from when I was arriving
at school one frigid morning. On the side of the road, I observed an African American man
begging for food or money. He reportedly said, "Hey, do you have any money or food on you? I
haven't eaten in weeks and I'm starving." People don't usually believe homeless people because
of the uncertainty of them using their plight to obtain free food or money and I am a victim of
that conclusion. But this man was in terrible shape. I didn't have any money on me, so I
apologized and walked away. But then I remembered that I had bought some granola bars, and I
was eager to eat them. So I walked back and gave them to the man. I saw a big smile on his face,
and he said, "God bless your soul." This experience taught me the importance of helping others,
even if you don't have much to give. It also showed me that a small act of kindness can make a
big difference in someone's life. I will never forget the look of gratitude on that man's face, and
I'll never stop trying to help others whenever possible.