Winning students write about compassion in crisis in Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest

The Dr. Martin Luther King Commission of Mid-Michigan held its annual essay contest for Greater Lansing junior and high school students, including the Mark S. McDaniel Legacy Scholarship for graduating seniors. Below are essays of the scholarship winner and finalists and the winners of the junior high and high school essay contests.

Success comes from empowering others

Having immigrated from Syria 12 years ago, my mother was taken aback by a cultural aspect in the United States that continues to surprise her: individualism. In our homeland, unity and collective strength were instilled in everyone, fostering resilience in the face of adversity. However, in the United States, my mother observed a predominant focus on self-interest, with success as the sole priority. People seemed to only care whether they were able to get what they wanted done, and if others failed, that didn’t matter to them.

I, though, had a different opinion. I was happy to be in a country where each person was left to do whatever they wanted to do, without having to care for others. As long as I was successful, it didn’t matter whether others succeeded or not. However, I recognized that with success comes more work, and doing the work alone, I couldn’t handle it all. From work to school to family, I had a lot to handle. When one extra responsibility was added on my plate, everything seemed to fall apart. I eventually learned that I needed to care for my family and friends’ wellbeing, not just mine, to ensure the success of all of us. If each of us were to go on our own path without fighting for each others’ right to success, we would all be overwhelmed by the amount of things we would have to do without any guidance.

During crises, countries frequently focus solely on the well-being of their leaders, assuming that the government's survival ensures overall stability. However, this approach often falls short. Many times, the common people within the country are left to endure suffering. Each one of us constitutes the building blocks of our nation, and when the government neglects us, the foundation of the country loses the capacity to contribute energy toward its success. The country can no longer rely on its people when extra responsibilities and problems develop, causing its downfall.

It took me some time to realize that adopting an individualistic mindset hinders reaching one's greatest potential. In a world increasingly promoting individualism, compassion has been increasingly diminishing. In times of crisis, individuals often revert to survival, disregarding the well-being of others to make sure they solely push through. True success requires compassion and care for others. Working alone without regard for others diminishes our collective energy to overcome crises as a nation. Even if the lack of compassion isn't immediately apparent, the consequences become evident after a crisis has passed, revealing the fractures caused by a failure to help its citizens. Once we recognize this, we can live in a society where success is achieved by empowering each other to thrive.

— Khaled Taifour, East Lansing, winner

Compassion is best way to respond to adversity

When our youth reaches a certain age, they often experience some sort of low point in life that they cannot do anything about. So, when the kid inevitably freaks out and seeks answers from their parents, the best response the parents come up with is that life has ups and downs and that all one can do is react appropriately.

Unfortunately, since I have long passed this age, I have realized that this is the best answer, good times happen, but bad things can and will occur and most people are not able to do anything to control the situation; the only thing that is in control is how they handle their new problems, which is definitely easier said than done.

So, during times of crisis, the will of the people is put to the test. This is where Thurgood Marshall’s statement about "the measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis" comes to fruition, as the difference between a recovery or a collapse hinges on the utilization of compassion.

People who are in a tough situation generally respond in two ways, trying to maintain normalcy and decency or trying to gain an advantage by sabotaging others. However, one of these is a better reaction than the other; trying to help others may not always turn out, but it is far more likely people return the favor, which helps rehabilitate society from whatever disaster occurred. It is why people often help each other after natural disasters by sending resources and manpower.

The other response is far more sinister, people take advantage of others to push ahead. These people always exist causing issues ranging from stealing other people's DoorDash orders, to manipulating vulnerable people out of thousands of dollars; if these people exist during good times, when things turn sour these people become monsters, throwing anyone they can under the bus to succeed.

Despite their attempts, those types of people will all eventually face failure and will likely never recover. The individuals who are able show empathy toward everyone regardless of who they are or what is going on are most likely to survive a crisis. The more people of this more compassionate type in a community the stronger it will be when faced with a challenge. Enough of these communities that care about each other builds up into a great country that will stand the trials and tribulations as well as the test of time.

— Hailey McGrath, Holt, winner

Times of crises call for compassion

The measure of a country's greatness can be measured by its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis. During times of crisis, compassion is a very critical thing.

As a country, we need to have empathy for each other. Especially, during a time when the country is facing many obstacles and difficulties. Whether those challenges are a pandemic, war, or even a natural disaster, everyone is feeling all sorts of emotions.

Those emotions could look like sadness, anger, or even fear. As a country, the least we can do for each other is to be there for each other. In other words, show compassion for each other.

The capability to consider others by helping and just being there as a support system for those in need during times of crisis can show the genuine character of a country. How people support and care for each other demonstrates how strong we are as a country and how well we can overcome these challenges as a nation. I believe that compassion is something our country lacks and needs more of.

Using my own experiences, I feel like during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the feelings of Asians and Asian Americans were very minimized. Instead of having compassion for each other during a difficult time like this, a majority of people were against each other.

As an Asian American myself, this was a hard time for me mainly because of all the Asian hate crimes going on all over the country. I felt anxious to go to public places and just sad to see that the country lacked so much empathy for each other. Aside from that, the pandemic was hard for other people, too. There were people that lost jobs, homes, and there were even people dying. It was a roller coaster of emotions for everyone. If the country had more empathy for each other, these challenging times would be more bearable.

— Alina Phan, Lansing Eastern, finalist

A society with compassion is stronger

Compassion during times of crisis truly does measure the quality of a nation. Thurgood Marshall brought his experience of inequality to providing empathy for others and our nation continues this in contemporary society. 

The United States without fail retains compassion on an international scale. For instance, the war in Israel, the nation is providing military assistance like the $14.3 billion granted to help, so Israel can fend for their safety. This demonstrates compassion because the world can’t be silent in acts of terrorism. Luckily, our military is able to fight against such acts by providing help to others in dire need. This concern makes our nation powerful.

Likewise with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, the United States handled the crisis by allowing communities to grow stronger together. The federal government paid for COVID-19 testing and vaccines to keep the population safe and to ultimately limit the spread. People tested constantly to ensure the safety of others.

Personally, I relied on sports for social interaction and needed to test daily before being able to practice and compete in games. COVID-19 shut down many jobs and sources of income; to show support, the government sent stimulus checks to households. This allowed many to get by with providing the necessities for their family to survive. In my community, families relied on these checks and in-person learning at the public schools. When school opened back up, breakfasts, lunches, and take-home care packages, all provided by the government, were available for the local community which met people’s basic necessities. The school's reopening allowed families to get back to work which made things feel normal. Due to this kindness, people felt supported.

Within the last couple years, the amount of school shootings has been soaring. Recently there was a shooting at Michigan State University. After the incident, students and staff were given a week of no classes to process and grieve the situation. Many professors reassessed their goals for the semester due to the time they had off. This shows compassion because the university understood that the students and staff were extremely affected by this. To help support the victims and their families, MSU paid for the victims' funerals and hospital bills for those who were injured. The university created the Spartan Strong Fund that raised money to pay for counseling and campus safety. They enhanced building security, installed security cameras, and many other safety features to show their compassion for the need of feeling safe on campus.

Oftentimes when someone is pulled out of a hardship it is because of other’s compassion. In these few situations of many, the nation’s support enables the society to become stronger due the compassion being provided.

—Jalen Fossitt, Leslie, finalist

Acts of compassion keep hope alive

Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall said, “The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to maintain compassion in a time of crisis.” This played over in my mind. I was reminded of the saying, “The worst of times can bring out the best in people.”

With so much going on in our communities, country and the world, how or why does compassion continue? It continues because we are compassionate beings. It continues because with each compassionate act, the hope for better times and a better world stays alive.

School gun violence is a national crisis that touched our Greater Lansing community. On February 7, 2023 at 9:03, I was directly impacted by a hoax call stating there was a shooter in my high school. For the first 2 hours no one knew it was a hoax. I remember being in a closet with my teacher and eight children with disabilities. It was nerve wrecking.

In the moment, I had to be brave and compassionate. Instead of quickly running out the door to save myself. I had to stand at the front and hold the door, because I knew the children were not capable. While holding the door, I had to console and calm their fears and give them encouragement. I told them, “You are safe, no one is going hurt you. I got you. But you need to remain as quiet and still as possible. It is OK to be scared.”

Deep down I was scared. It took some time, but their anxiety decreased. The disabled student I was directly assigned to was autistic and unemotional. After the ordeal, his emotional wall came down and he said, “I love you, Zachary.” I saw firsthand the impact that my compassion made during a time of perceived crisis.

Five days later a real attack occurred at Michigan State University (MSU). I was attending my counseling session from the hoax shooting at my high school. My theater group was on lockdown at the Wharton Center on campus. Instantly, I was reliving my trauma again. I knew the anxiety my friends were feeling. Not knowing if you going to live or die within the next few minutes is/was a horrifying experience I don’t wish on anyone.

In the midst of a crises, my compassion surfaced. I texted my friends and provided the reassurance they needed to stay calm. Once the ordeal was over, my friends thanked me for the text messages they received. Our entire community put aside differences and united together to assist in MSU students’ recovery. We were called to action. Together we overcame tragedy. When a community practices compassion during a crisis, the greatness of our country flourishes!

— Zachary Barker, Okemos, finalist

Response to Christchurch an example in compassion

When measuring a country's character, moments of crisis reveal the true measure of greatness. New Zealand, a land known for its breathtaking landscapes, became the standard for its extraordinary display of compassion in the face of tragedy, thus exemplifying through action Thurgood Marshall's immortal words.

As the sound of gunshots shattered the peace of Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern emerged as a light of leadership, guiding the nation through an unexpected moment of grief. In a swift quick action, she announced gun law reforms, showing a commitment to preventing any future massacres. This governmental response reflected not just political skillfulness but a compassionate resolve to protect the community.

Her leadership extended beyond policy changes; it was deeply personal. In a moving display of empathy, she visited the Muslim community, hugging victims' families and expressing solidarity. The symbolism of Ms. Ardern wearing a headscarf and engaging in traditional mourning practices go beyond cultural boundaries, illustrating that in times of crisis, New Zealand's greatness lies in unity and inclusivity.

The phrase "They Are Us" became a mantra, capturing the basic knowledge that the Muslim victims were not outsiders, but important, cherished people of the New Zealand family. Ardern's emphasis on eradicating extremism and hate speech reinforced a commitment to safeguarding the nation's values of tolerance and acceptance.

In conclusion, New Zealand's response to the Christchurch mosque shootings stands as a proof to the nation's greatness measured by its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis. Through Ardern's compassionate leadership, legislative action, and symbolic gestures, New Zealand emerged, not only as a land of stunning, gorgeous landscapes, but as a nation defined by its collective embrace in the face of adversity – serving as a shining beacon of Thurgood Marshall’s influential exhortation.

— Rahma Mussa, 11th grade, Lansing Eastern, winner

Unity and acts of service help make country great

This year’s MLK luncheon theme reminds me of a time of crisis where our country came together to support one another. September 11, 2001, what we speak of as 9/11, had one of the biggest impacts on this country. Whether you were a Democrat or Republican, Black or White, LGBTQIA+ or heterosexual, or man or woman, it didn’t matter.

On that day, two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York, and one into the Pentagon in Virginia. Nearly 3,000 people with families, jobs, and dreams of their own perished that day. We, the people of the United States of America, all suffered from this horrible attack, directly or indirectly, and we retained compassion for those lost and those suffering. Everyone doesn’t always agree with one another but on that day the compassion, collaboration, sympathy and unified strategies for safety and healing is what made America great.

When I first learned about 9/11 in fifth grade, I was heartbroken. I felt angry and asked myself why would people do this to others? This world crisis was a motivating factor for me to want to help people any way I can. I believe in the power of community, and those feelings prompted my participation in many community service activities. I have participated in the Turkey Drive for National Honor Society at my school to provide food for those in need. I have also served food at the Tabernacle of David Church’s Free Backpack Giveaway to feed our Lansing community. I have identified non-profit organizations to give grants to for helping our community.

These acts of service demonstrate compassion and love for my community members who may be in crisis. In these ways I have and will continue helping to make my country great.

— Elaina Andrews, 11th grade, East Lansing, second place

National Greatness

If the measure of a country’s greatness

Is the measure of its compassion,

Then we in the US should be ashamed

Of our compassionless horrible actions.

We allow guns to be kept in homes

And a giant military we boast,

But we still can’t even fathom helping

The students who need it the most.

The ones who feel unseen by all

The ones who hang their heads

The ones who hide their inner turmoil

The ones whose thoughts are unsaid.

So they turn their awful thoughts into action

Take the gun from their parents' hidden drawer

They show up to school as usual

But at noon they start the gore.

Bang

Bang

Bang

Police come rushing to the scene

But when they arrive they’re too late

A dozen bodies of teens on the floor

Is this what America calls great?

Screams, blood, glass bits and cries

This is the war adults want to deny

This is the war teens want to defy

This is what people send their kids off to…

To die

We in America have a problem with guns

We NEED our guns to thrive

Always be rehearsed and prepared

For a war that will never arrive.

By the standards of Thurgood Marshall

America is downright trash

The next generation will burn it all down

Until nothing is left but ash.

School shootings aren’t something people want to talk about

They think it’d be crossing a line

But the fear they bring is always apparent

Students just have to pretend that they’re fine.

Am I fine?

Are we fine?

Is everything simply sublime?

No.

It’s hard to have compassion

It’s hard to stand up to war

It takes a toll to fear the fight everyday

That everyone seems to ignore.

— Gabrielle Ferguson, 10th grade, East Lansing, third place

An army of compassion saved a falling nation

In schools, in homes, in communities,

All around the country

Mothers, fathers, children … everyone gathers around

They listen to the sounds of the news

The sounds of the shots, the sounds of the words

The words that hurt more than the shots

Some feel nothing, feel no pain,

"If it's not me, why should I care?"

While the ones who do learn to speak up

They use their voice

Speak up for the victims, and for the ones who can no longer speak

It is their voice that unites, their compassion that heals

A community that has fallen

One without hope to recover

Yet they will … with a caring community

They will feel each other's pain

The battles fought, and the battles yet to come

They know the fight, they understand it

They took the first step

To care enough to do something

From there they are set up for success

And they take the next step

They lift each other up

They build an army,

An army fueled off of compassion

They build back their community

And move on to others

The communities that were once broken,

The ones that were once divided

Once full of hatred

As an "army" of compassion

Takes down the one full of hate

A new hope is formed

One that wouldn't have been there if it weren't for the people who came together

They took charge, head first

Answering hatred with compassion

A nation that was once falling into an endless dark hole

Was saved by a community, that became an army of compassion

Showing truth to Thurgood Marshall's words that "The measure of a country's

greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis"

— Aikem Gill, 8th grade, Haslett Middle School, winner

Dad's example helps me learn how to live

You're one person but can you affect others lives? According to Wikipedia, Thurgood Marshall was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 2, 1908, to Norma Arica and William Canfield Marshall. Growing up in Baltimore, Marshall experienced the racial discrimination that shaped his passion for civil rights early on. Thurgood Marshall died on January 24th 1993, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, however his words live on because, "the measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." 

Compassion in times of crisis can be a scary situation but I learned that hard decisions require courage. My dad and I were driving one afternoon and we saw a woman getting chased by a man with a bat. My dad and I followed them, and we pulled over and we helped her by letting her get into our vehicle. My dad could easily have walked off, but instead put himself in harm's way by choosing to show kindness to the woman.

"The measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." My family has shown me the importance of kindness, despite how difficult the situation may be. Therefore, I am familiar with becoming part of the solution instead of the problem. This is the unwritten law that I have learned and now live by. Thank you, Justice Marshall!

— Cataliyah Trevino, 6th grade, Mid Michigan Leadership Academy, second place

Compassion means opening country to those in need

Thurgood Marshall was a Civil Rights jurist and lawyer, and the first African American Justice of the Supreme Court. The more I read of Marshall, the more I realized how his words have bridged the span of time between us and improved what's possible for a young biracial Black man like me in the US. Whether it is the preeminent feeling of equality we both know or the empathy I feel for him having lived in times without it, his good work and strong spirit have impacted my life for the better and touched my soul. Marshall once said "The measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis." To me, compassion is supporting someone in times of hardship or distress. So what would it mean for a country to show compassion? Personally, I believe it must show understanding to the sufferings of all people, no matter where they're from, and assist them in their struggle.

Sadly, many crises happen globally, giving countries an opportunity to display compassion. An example of Thurgood's compassion was shown by Lebanon when the Syrian people needed refuge after protesting against an abusive government and were violently stopped. This started a bloody civil war, resulting in the Syrian people being trapped like butterflies in a net. That's when Lebanon opened up their borders for them. Without this action, Syrians could have been killed in the violence of the war. Lebanon showed compassion towards Syria in their time of crisis by opening their borders and sharing their suffering.

If compassion is the measure of a country's greatness, then opening your country to those in need during a war shows genuine kindness. It is extremely difficult to meaningfully assist during war; it takes a great, compassionate country to do it.

— Abyan Cooley, 8th grade, Haslett Middle School, third place

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest in Lansing names winners