ESSAY
2009 First Place

Joining Hands
Elizabeth Huben
17 years old, Nebraska

                To a mother with a new born baby,  peace is a calm night’s sleep.  To a child in a war-torn country, peace is a moment without gun shots.  To a teacher with rowdy students, peace is a four-minute passing period.  To me, peace is joining hands with my classmates of every race and religion, rejoicing in each others’ accomplishments and taking pain in each others’ moments of weakness.

                Although the common symbol for peace was first used as a badge for a campaign against nuclear war, it has been adopted universally to symbolize peace in all aspects of our lives.  If one speaks of peace in Peru they are certain to get the same response had they done so in China.  Peace is universally known as being at a state of mutual harmony.

                I have been privileged to have always known what peace feels like.  It is clear to me that many have not, do not, and never will.  Because of this, I am able to realize the blessing I have with deep gratitude.  Not a day goes by where I don’t fully appreciate feeling safe as I walk to school every morning or when I get a long goodnight sleep.

                The feeling of peace should not be taken for granted.  That fact alone makes the idea of peace powerful.  Peace is not only important for mothers and teachers, but for anyone whose life has ever been disheveled--whether through violence, hatred, or discrimination.  Peace allows for people of all ages, religion, race, social status, gender, and orientation to feel like they have a place of importance in the world.  It allows people to experience other cultures and learn acceptance.  It brings everyone together, making the world united.

                To reach the goal of a united world, everyone must wonder to themselves, “What about peace?” and only then can the process begin.  With everyone working together to experience world peace, the results would be magnificent.  My brothers in Sudan and sisters in Iraq could experience the same joy as I do upon stepping outside on a bright summer day, listening to the wind and beautiful music of the birds.  They would be able to feel privileged and truly  feel the blessing that I do.

                So, the questions we must ask ourselves are what can we gain from peace and how can we work towards it.  We can begin now by celebrating diversity, joining hands with those unlike ourselves.  We can rejoice in each others’ accomplishments and take pain in each others’ moments of weakness.  For only with peace, can the world be truly happy.