Gathering my belongings with my ruined fingers after the 3-hour guitar lesson, I was going to leave for home. All of sudden, Maria came in and announced an emergency and appealed to us to volunteer. The car of one of my peer’s family was experiencing a flat tire. No need for conclusions, hypothesis, analysis or reasons, I thought. This time I will follow my first reaction —— rush out of the door and see what I can do.
I, together with other peers and the family, wanted to lift up the car in order to change the flat tire. Our first step was to lift the car up, which we managed to do; however, we failed to unscrew the nails on the flat tire after a few attempts. If I decided to help without thinking, this time I will turn my logic on. The reason that we failed to unscrew the nails was that we lack proper knowledge, therefore I pulled out my phone immediately and started googling. Although I did not find the solution, I noticed that all the cars in the video tutorials which I was watching had tires with same nails, while the car we tried to fix had a tire with one nail shaped distinctly from the others. Then I realized that there must be some kind of tools that we didn’t find but can address this issue, otherwise we would be the first customers who reported this design failure of not having proper tools for Honda.
After a few more futile attempts, we most of the volunteers were asked to go home. I insisted on staying, but eventually I left reluctantly. I walked a hundred meters away. The sun cast its powerless light toward my back and created a long shadow. I stared at it, and I was contemplating with all my blood running toward my brain. I questioned myself; is it the right thing to just go away? Obviously there was nothing wrong if I left because I might not do much help at that point; however, I will feel bad if I left. I volunteered myself to do help, so I must help till I have no way to do so. This is my rule and theory, and this is the way I tackle problems. I thought this is a thing which is associated with my attitude and principle. I will feel like a puppet if I just walk away. It was the same as doing a Math test, I won’t give up even though the last question might be way harder than I can afford to solve. The long and slim shadow evoked my memory. I used to be a boy who could not keep my own principles. I had made enough decisions which made me regret. I was determined to establish a set of rules which I can carry out and persevere after I came to Canada two years ago. After thinking about this, I turned around and went back to the group. Now the sunshine fell on my face and I could no longer see my shadows. Nevertheless, the decision was not the end of the consideration because making ruthless decisions sometimes could be fatal. Therefore, I reassured that I could go back home before it was too late and I was able to have a dinner somewhere before I joined the remainders.
Had I not made that decision, I would not have been able to see the amazing things happen —— we found the tools we need to unlock the wheel lock. Nevertheless, things never turned out to be as easy as we have expected. There was one moment the front wheel no longer had the power to stabilize the entire car. The lifter shifted and the remaining wheels rolled backwards. It would be a catastrophe if someone had put his or her hand underneath the car. Fortunately, nobody got injured. Though it was a small accident, it could reflect the importance of safety. We should be aware of potential hazards and remember that safety is always the priority.
After half an hour’s work, the alternative tire was eventually installed on the car. Hunger, thirst and exhaust filled up my body; however, my mind was overwhelmed by excitement and joy. This was what made an ordinary day special, as well as what made a typical life meaningful.
I, together with other peers and the family, wanted to lift up the car in order to change the flat tire. Our first step was to lift the car up, which we managed to do; however, we failed to unscrew the nails on the flat tire after a few attempts. If I decided to help without thinking, this time I will turn my logic on. The reason that we failed to unscrew the nails was that we lack proper knowledge, therefore I pulled out my phone immediately and started googling. Although I did not find the solution, I noticed that all the cars in the video tutorials which I was watching had tires with same nails, while the car we tried to fix had a tire with one nail shaped distinctly from the others. Then I realized that there must be some kind of tools that we didn’t find but can address this issue, otherwise we would be the first customers who reported this design failure of not having proper tools for Honda.
After a few more futile attempts, we most of the volunteers were asked to go home. I insisted on staying, but eventually I left reluctantly. I walked a hundred meters away. The sun cast its powerless light toward my back and created a long shadow. I stared at it, and I was contemplating with all my blood running toward my brain. I questioned myself; is it the right thing to just go away? Obviously there was nothing wrong if I left because I might not do much help at that point; however, I will feel bad if I left. I volunteered myself to do help, so I must help till I have no way to do so. This is my rule and theory, and this is the way I tackle problems. I thought this is a thing which is associated with my attitude and principle. I will feel like a puppet if I just walk away. It was the same as doing a Math test, I won’t give up even though the last question might be way harder than I can afford to solve. The long and slim shadow evoked my memory. I used to be a boy who could not keep my own principles. I had made enough decisions which made me regret. I was determined to establish a set of rules which I can carry out and persevere after I came to Canada two years ago. After thinking about this, I turned around and went back to the group. Now the sunshine fell on my face and I could no longer see my shadows. Nevertheless, the decision was not the end of the consideration because making ruthless decisions sometimes could be fatal. Therefore, I reassured that I could go back home before it was too late and I was able to have a dinner somewhere before I joined the remainders.
Had I not made that decision, I would not have been able to see the amazing things happen —— we found the tools we need to unlock the wheel lock. Nevertheless, things never turned out to be as easy as we have expected. There was one moment the front wheel no longer had the power to stabilize the entire car. The lifter shifted and the remaining wheels rolled backwards. It would be a catastrophe if someone had put his or her hand underneath the car. Fortunately, nobody got injured. Though it was a small accident, it could reflect the importance of safety. We should be aware of potential hazards and remember that safety is always the priority.
After half an hour’s work, the alternative tire was eventually installed on the car. Hunger, thirst and exhaust filled up my body; however, my mind was overwhelmed by excitement and joy. This was what made an ordinary day special, as well as what made a typical life meaningful.