Courage

The Honorable Gilbert P. Self, Circuit Court Judge spoke to our forum class this week about courage: the courage to do the right thing and pursue our goals. I'm not one for motivational speaking, but coming from a man who deals with the scum of the earth, I feel like he would know all about courage. One part I found interesting was his view of capital punishment. I grew up believing that "an eye for an eye" was justice, but Judge Self pointed out how much more miserable it would be to spend a lifetime in prison. It's a morbid issue, but it's interesting to consider. However, I don't think the death penalty was the issue he wanted us to think about. Courage is something everyone needs, especially college students who have no idea where they are going. It's a big investment with no guarantee for success. A recipe for either disaster or prosperity. That is why courage is important, and I don't have any at all. I stay shut in my apartment between classes, I may speak to a handful or people throughout the day, and I have no idea what I'm even doing here half the time. I'm glad to say that walking the campus with a cool breeze in my face helps lift my spirits and gives me energy. The chill gives me a positive vibe, and I can't help but feel brave, even peaceful. As for the courage to avoid drugs and such, well, that's not courage. It's intelligence. I believe Judge Self was wrong about that part. Maybe intelligence requires courage, I don't know. All I know is I am starving and I'm going to get food. Peace.