People Think Stories Are Shaped By People

Stories are the substance of humanity. They not only spread our history and culture down from generation to generation, they convey our ideals and values. I love stories. Growing up in a predominantly elderly church in a small retirement town, I have been told countless fascinating stories from people who experienced events that I had previously only witnessed through books and old newsreels. The late British author Terry Pratchett once stated that “People think stories are shaped by people. In fact it’s the other way around” , and nothing could be more true. Much of my life has been built on the ideals conveyed to me in the accounts from those who I am surrounded by. An abundance of these stories take place overseas, thus, the power of learning and respecting other cultures has been shown to me many times through them. Specifically, a man in my church enjoys telling stories of his time in the military during the occupation of Germany; and in one such story he told of a time he was on a troop transport train. While a large number of the soldiers were wondering if they had missed their stop, he stated “We’re definitely going around in

One such period is the Great Depression. My grandmother once told me of her experience living through it, and along with showing me her ration cards; she told of how nearly her entire extended family had to move into her house, and how her father one of the only people she knew who was employed. This time of living in constant fear of her father being fired --and therefore her entire family going starving-- was difficult for her, but it also made her stronger. Upon my hearing of it, I was also strengthened. The knowledge about the period, and character traits of gratitude and compassion that I gained in the process will stick with me for the rest of my