How a Simple Gesture of Courtesy Can Change Humanity

“Courtesy: It Starts with Me!” Essay Writing Contest

Pedrocillo, Maria Cecilia S. / AB Journalism / CAS – Irregular Student

“How a Simple Gesture of Courtesy Can Change Humanity”

Basically, Courtesy is simply defined as showing of politeness towards other people. However, if you think about it further, this word means so much more as it can make huge changes in our lives, our nation, and the entire humanity. Nowadays, it is quite significant that we show kindness to other people, not just the ones we personally get to be acquainted with but especially those individuals we don’t know.

Being civil towards each other only means that we respect each other’s opinions, way of thinking, and actions. We all know that each and every one of us are uniquely created and we have to understand those differences because we can all grow and learn from each other if we only take the time to make realizations out of these everyday actions.

One good paradigm is our school community here at LPU in Manila. We have to face the reality that there can be times when we cannot contain ourselves from making a fuss out of class misunderstanding with our professors/classmates; or the never ending school violations that we get from the school guards; waiting in queue for long lines during enrollment, paying for our school fees, or merely waiting for our turn to be served food at the cafeteria; and asking for some mercy from our terror professors who finds it rather fun to see us having a difficult time accomplishing their subject requirements. These are those “some things” that can make our temper soar rocket high.

At one point, before making not-so-good reactions, have we asked ourselves about how we should deal with all these? Have we thought of showing courtesy even if we feel that we’re being violated of our rights on those sometimes? I personally think that showing act of politeness can turn dreadful situations into something better. We can define ourselves with how we usually act when no one is watching. Good thoughts toward others are very important not because it can make you look excellent and ideal, but it can personally and eventually professionally hone you into a good citizen of this country.

Showing that you appreciate your professors through studying well on their class can make them feel that they’re doing their jobs precisely. If we take a closer look at how these educators passionately share their knowledge with us, we’ll all realize that their profession is priceless. We should know the fact that they serve as our second parents and we must give them equal respect that we give our real ones.

As a student of this university, I would have to say that courtesy doesn’t just end with showing acts of politeness and kindness inside the school premises. We should exhibit courtesy everywhere we go and with whomever we meet. Our real lives actually start when we leave school and face the sometimes unfair and harsh reality of the world. I know for sure that if we only give out courtesy not just from our minds but also from our hearts, we can change this country’s state and become one of the best from around the globe.

We cannot just leave our country’s success to the government. Because again, courtesy plays a huge part into making a country stand out. Being a good citizen is not about becoming a politician that can guide this country and its people. We can be our simple selves and yet make a huge difference by doing our part. We can show courteousness through abiding law; helping out other Filipinos; supporting our government’s projects; having a warm heart for less fortunate; sharing our knowledge through hard work; and being honest, just and fair.

Filipinos are known to be hard working, respectful, kind, and humble. If we keep on improving not just because we want to be successful but also to become better persons each day, the whole world can perceive how simple courtesy can make everything better.

The whole world needs courtesy just like it needs love. Courteousness is one of the significant factors that can make an individual, a nation, and humanity exceptional. Courtesy starts with us. It is given and should not be asked for.