Selective Caring

At the beginning of the school year, Sarah joined a student action organization that is committed to dealing with issues such as child labor, the homeless, the environment, healthcare, affordable higher education, etc. She tried to recruit Sara and me as well, and while we decided to donate money each semester and to participate in projects/raising awareness, we couldn’t make a commitment to directing a team with all of our other activities.

I was a little surprised that Sarah would dedicate time to do volunteer work that didn’t pertain directly to her goal to go to med school. Since the organization’s application asked for specific causes that one cares about, I asked her which ones she marked down.

“The environment. I don’t really care about much else on the list,” Sarah stated matter-of-factly.

“Er…you don’t care about homeless people or child labor?” I asked, a little bit incredulously.

“Ergh, I hope they don’t put me on either of those committees. It’s their own fault that they are homeless, and those kids should be lucky to have a job,” she responded with disdain.

Now I know what goes through her mind when she walks by the crippled veterans that sacrificed for her freedom who are prevalent in our city. And good thing the aspiring doctor loves to help people so much.