BU.131.601.32.SU19 Business Leadership and Human Values

Short Writing Assignment: My Personal Mythology
A song that represents me and my life is “I Lived” by One Republic. The lyrics emphasize
the importance of making the most of every moment and being present in the now. I first came
across this song a few years back during one of my travels. I was visiting Peru, which had always
been on my bucket list, and had decided to turn my vacation into a mission trip. Growing up in
Venezuela, which was once among the wealthiest countries in South America while eighty percent
of the population was poor, I have witnessed poverty and scarcity of basic human needs firsthand.
Every year around Christmas time, my parents had my sister and I clean out our toys, and they
would take us to poor, rural areas so we could give these away to less privileged kids. The joy
exerted by the smile on their faces, compiled with the realization that these gifts were likely the
only ones these children were receiving for Christmas, changed my life forever.
My parents instilled in me the gift of giving, so I am always looking to do more for others.
Months prior to my trip to Peru, I felt the need to make my visit meaningful for the local
community. Searching through TripAdvisor, I found Yuri, a gentleman from Cusco who served as
a local guide, and also organized gift-giving events for orphans. I took a leap and contacted Yuri
to tell him about my plans, knowing that we could make the most impact by working together. I
immediately started a collection of stuffed animals, mainly through donations. Before I knew it,
the word had spread quickly, and I had collected hundreds of toys for these underprivileged
children. I traveled to Cusco with three large suitcases and a duffle bag filled with toys. Once there,
I met Yuri and his wife, and they took me to the orphanage to deliver the gifts. The living
conditions of these children were so detrimental, yet they never once stopped smiling. I decided to
spend two weeks helping out around the orphanage because. I prepared food, coordinated games
and educational activities, and did small improvement projects in the home and classroom areas.
BU.131.601.32.SU19 Business Leadership and Human Values

At the end of my trip, I made the mandatory pitstop in Machu Picchu. I remember sitting
at the top of a mountain, taking in the view, feeling fulfilled, fortunate, and like I was doing exactly
what I was supposed to, when the song “I Lived” by One Republic started playing on my phone.
The lyrics, "For every day that you're on this earth, for every minute that you have, the whole idea
is doing nothing less than exactly what you feel you're supposed to do and squeezing every last
drop out of life every day," gave me a feeling I simply cannot put into words. It was right then and
there, during the most rewarding experience I have had, that this song became representative of
my life. Since my trip, multiple people have contacted over the years wanting to partake in taking
gifts to these kids in their travels to Peru. It’s amazing that I was able to bring light into so many
lives, and inspired others to do so as well. This not only demonstrates how we can put the power
of the internet and social media to good use, but also shows the goodness that is instilled in each
and every one of us to make a difference and do right by others.











BU.131.601.32.SU19 Business Leadership and Human Values

My life mission: Giving the best of myself to others.
The drawing shows that my heart does not fit into my hands, which is representative of me
always wanting to give more than I am able to. I hold a lot of people near and dear to my heart,
who are all shown smiling. I realize the importance and impact of a smile, so I make sure I wear
my best smile every day and appreciate what life has given me. Lastly, the pillars of my life include
my values, my integrity, and honesty, which lie among my morals and beliefs.

“Go out into the world and do well, but more importantly, go out into the world and do good.”