What The World Owes You - Ananya Bhardwaj (Week 16)

I believe that memories are best when they’re shared. Of course, different people will have different understandings of the same experience—and that’s part of the beauty of making memories together. 


Source: National Forest Foundation


I remember during science camp in sixth grade, we went on individual hikes for a small portion of the trail; I walked past one of the most scenic views of the California wilderness and took a picture of it with my camera. I lost my camera during that trip—but I wasn’t upset about that at all. The beauty of that view is still ingrained in my brain, I’ll never forget it. What I was more disappointed by was the fact that no one got to see that view with me. I didn’t get to feel the rush of shared excitement and awe at the viridian leaves of the numerous redwood trees, at the river rushing at a steady pace just beneath the trail, nor at the way the sun shone leaves and glittered on the waters. I wanted to have someone there to see the beauty of the world with me. 


The world is beautiful, that’s for sure. That is what I want to remember when I’m gone, that is what I want my lasting impression of the world to be. Though I don’t believe that I conversely owe beauty to the world—not the physical kind, anyway. I don’t owe the world my tears about the way I look in the mirror, I don’t owe the world emotional exhaustion from stress about being good enough for everyone around me, I don’t owe anyone that. I can appreciate the world for the hints of gold that form my most precious memories, and I hope the world appreciates the lasting impacts that I am willing to make in turn.


That got a bit too introspective.


My main point is that there’s so much out there that lends itself to making the sweetest memories; be it the people you love, the activities you enjoy, or perhaps the memory of redwoods from six years ago—there are memories waiting to be made, waiting to be shared, waiting to be loved.


Comments

  1. Yumi LiuMay 16, 2025 at 12:17 PM

    Hi Ananya! I love the way you write your blog! It flows so well and it really brings an image to my head. Did you also go to the YMCA Camp Campbell science camp? I went there for my 6th grade science camp trip, and I totally agree with you, the scenery there is unforgettable. It was my first time seeing a night sky full of stars, and honestly even till this day, the view is still vivid in my head. I really like how you talk about not owing anything towards society, which I think is great! I think self improvement and acceptance comes from a place of not caring about outside views first, such as having the idea of not owing anything, which then every action a person takes after that should really be for themselves. I agree with your point on how there is so much out there and there are so many chances to make the sweetest memories instead of feeling restricted to societal standards.

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  2. RitishaMay 23, 2025 at 2:13 PM

    Hi Ananya,
    Wow! Your blog and point were so beautifully written and I couldn’t agree less. We don't take enough time to truly appreciate the moments and the people around us and that is something we should do more. Your memory of science camp reminded me how far along we’ve gotten since then! Science camp truly was an amazing experience and I’m so fortunate I was lucky enough to go. The title of your blog caught my attention because the question “what does the world truly owe us” crosses my mind frequently. But I’ve come to the conclusion that the world only gives back what you put out, so what energy and karma you give to other people is what the world eventually owes you! Thank you for such an introspective blog.

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