Lessons in Love & Legacy
October 22, 2024
Writer: Moriah Morgan
Editor: Zoe Gellert
I’ve been contemplating moral dilemmas I had never considered— questions about the person I want to be, what I value most in life, and what motivates me. Almost daily, I revel in the thought that my prefrontal cortex is still developing. This stuff likely fascinates me because I am a psychology major, but lately, I can also see it in my friends. They are subtly becoming more mature, articulate, and emotionally regulated; we’re standing on the cusp of adulthood.
As I witness this growth in myself and my friends, I am also reminded of the other end of life’s spectrum—where growth turns into decline.
At the same time that my prefrontal cortex is developing, my grandmother's is becoming obsolete. It is painful to watch a loved one, especially my mother’s mother, decline cognitively. Yet, life wouldn’t be life if things didn’t come full circle, and this feels like one of those moments.
During a visit with my grandmother years ago, she told me a story about a close childhood friend. I remember the moral clearly, especially her saying in a serious tone, “Sometimes you oughta go out of your way for a really good friend.” It really stuck with me, and ever since that visit, I have kept her mantra close to my heart. Despite our physical separation, my friendships are partly due to my grandmother’s lessons.
My grandmother has made a significant impact on so many people throughout her life. She worked as a teacher for students with learning disabilities, raised five daughters, and nurtured fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; each person she’s encountered has felt her influence. Even in her old age, she continues to give the world the sweetest gifts of her love—whether it’s in the warmth of her voice during our phone calls, the affection my mom pours into my brothers and me, or the love that exists amongst my family and friends. She has taught me a love that will continue to ripple outward for as long as I live.
Attending a school like Tulane makes it easy to compare your life to those around you—who's going out the most, who seems lucrative to befriend, and all the other trivial concerns. One significant lesson I’ve learned from my grandmother is that I don’t need to perform for an audience; it's just me. This thought comforts me and motivates me to use my time wisely.
In the past, I underestimated the importance of time. I didn’t consciously take time to share meals with friends, call family, laugh until it hurt, or hug someone I love. Recently I have been living by the idea that life is far too precious to spend even a minute worrying about things that don't matter. I focus on the people I love, challenge my mind with as much knowledge as I can, stay spiritually grounded, and engage with the world in meaningful and positive ways. My values will continue to evolve as I evolve, but I find it remarkable how life’s cyclical nature teaches us what is truly important, allowing us to carry on our roots.