What Would You Be?
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By Konnie Guo
Sophomore Konnie Guo would appear to be any other high school student: she stresses about homework, talks to her friends, and when not busy, enjoys watching television. However, what truly makes her a unique character is her own individual goals. If given the choice to do anything without worrying about money or the fear of failure, Guo says that she would like to provide elderly citizens with better care.
“It’s a subject I’m especially passionate about,” Guo states, “Everyone deserves to be cared for, and when someone gets older, there shouldn’t be an exception.” Guo further explains that seeing her own grandfather’s health decline had a profound effect on her. After finding out about the neglect many seniors experience, Guo was motivated to seek some form of action. Guo would like to establish or enhance senior homes for both impoverished and mistreated senior citizens. Those whose children or relatives can’t or won’t take responsibility of them will be able to have a decent place to stay. Existing homes would receive funding to improve the quality of existing living conditions.
An integral part in achieving this goal is through awareness. People need to know the dangers and horrors that the elderly face when they are no longer able to take care of themselves. If left alone, there is a wide possibility for self-harm. Once word is spread about the help that seniors need, better facilities can be established.
The elderly rely on others to provide them with help−once they succumb to diseases like Alzhiemer’s or Parkinson’s, they no longer have the full mental capacity or awareness to manage themselves. They have thoroughly paid back their debt to society, and it is time that they receive something in return. It is the camaraderie of a community that makes life worth living. Guo’s older brother, Kelvin Guo, a junior in high school, agrees with her. “After contributing so much in the form of taxes and work, why shouldn’t they receive support when they need it?”
There is no reason for an innocent person to suffer. Mistreatment and abuse of the elderly is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Helping these people is not only a fundamentally beneficial action to take; it is also a matter of moral responsibility. Guo’s goal is certainly plausible, and hopefully someday, it may be a reality.
Konnie Guo is currently a sophomore at Miramonte High School in Orinda. She is an avid reader, and during her spare time, enjoys playing the piano and doing volunteer work.
“It’s a subject I’m especially passionate about,” Guo states, “Everyone deserves to be cared for, and when someone gets older, there shouldn’t be an exception.” Guo further explains that seeing her own grandfather’s health decline had a profound effect on her. After finding out about the neglect many seniors experience, Guo was motivated to seek some form of action. Guo would like to establish or enhance senior homes for both impoverished and mistreated senior citizens. Those whose children or relatives can’t or won’t take responsibility of them will be able to have a decent place to stay. Existing homes would receive funding to improve the quality of existing living conditions.
An integral part in achieving this goal is through awareness. People need to know the dangers and horrors that the elderly face when they are no longer able to take care of themselves. If left alone, there is a wide possibility for self-harm. Once word is spread about the help that seniors need, better facilities can be established.
The elderly rely on others to provide them with help−once they succumb to diseases like Alzhiemer’s or Parkinson’s, they no longer have the full mental capacity or awareness to manage themselves. They have thoroughly paid back their debt to society, and it is time that they receive something in return. It is the camaraderie of a community that makes life worth living. Guo’s older brother, Kelvin Guo, a junior in high school, agrees with her. “After contributing so much in the form of taxes and work, why shouldn’t they receive support when they need it?”
There is no reason for an innocent person to suffer. Mistreatment and abuse of the elderly is an issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Helping these people is not only a fundamentally beneficial action to take; it is also a matter of moral responsibility. Guo’s goal is certainly plausible, and hopefully someday, it may be a reality.
Konnie Guo is currently a sophomore at Miramonte High School in Orinda. She is an avid reader, and during her spare time, enjoys playing the piano and doing volunteer work.
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