You are Not Nothing

Recently, at my work, I have had conversation classes with (one of) my favorite students. He is the first student I  met when I received my job, and for good reason.

In conversation we have been able to discuss Mark Twain, Italian poetry, antique art, faith, and life in general. He just so happens to be very insightful with his Italian state of mind.

Today, after discussing the Bible and our beliefs, we had general conversation about life.  After quoting a famous author, he told me, American have the right idea.  If you want to achieve something you can.  There is enough time (life is not too short as the saying goes...even if we sleep one third of it away.) If you work at it, you can be absolutely anything you want. The main issue is, you must have a specific target. Then he said, "You don't."

Well, dear student, you are absolutely correct. The problem is I am so easily influenced.  Usually by men, I forget to make a target for myself. It is happening again, even if under the microscope, with my new man (that I am enjoying being with very much.) I am, yet again, influenced.

So I asked him to tell me how can you set a target and go without influence.
"I don't know. I am old and have achieved nothing."
"Ok. Tell me what your target is?"
" I don't know. That is why I am nothing."

With this, my heart broke. How can he say he is nothing? How can he actually believe that? The conversations we have mean much to me. I am very blessed to have such a student.

Dear student, you may not realize the influence you have, but even 'normal people' are special to others. You are not nothing.

* I love my job. I love Italy.