There are approximately 6 billion people in the world, but you would never know it. At times, it seems like we live in a small world. People know people who know other people, things come back to bite you in the butt, or tap you on the back and yet we will never know the real cause of the small world syndrome in our lives.
It was the strangest "it's a small world moment" yet in my life. It was a Thursday and I was sitting in a lecture hall of 400 students before class started. With head phones popped in only one ear, I overheard a girl behind me say the name Lauren Misak. I popped that ear piece out of my ear faster than lightning.
Two girls were chatting behind me: "did you see that girl Lauren Misak's column last week about Obama?" I froze. I wrote about Obama last week and last time I checked my name was definitely Lauren Misak.
One of the girls exclaimed, it's the worst column I've ever read, her writing has no flow, she should be writing for a high school paper.
As their conversation shifted I sat there paralyzed replaying those words over in my head. I could not believe the conversation I just overheard. Out of all 50,000 students on campus, the two girls sitting behind me had no idea the one person they were bashing was sitting directly in front of them. Talk about a small world.
Instantly, I stood up, leapt over the row of seats, punched one girl in the face and ran for it. You wished. I actually never thought of the situation more differently.
Immediately after hearing their constructive criticism I knew I had gained valuable feedback from their some-would-say harsh words.
The moral of this story is: watch what you say. When you're about to gossip, make sure you walk up to everyone in ear shot and get names so you don't accidentally talk about them.
My real point is: who cares who might be listening to your conversation? Say your opinion no matter who is listening, because although it might hurt in the now, it will help in the long run.
As much as I hope I'm not as substandard of a writer as they view me to be, their words instantly sparked a fire in me to kick ass (not literally) with my future columns.
This almost humorous "small world situation" opened my eyes to exactly how valuable constructive criticism is, not just in writing, but in daily life.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the guts to start a fistfight, or run out of class weeping, because I know not to take their bashing to heart. Their unbiased, honest critique of my writing and opinions is like striking gold: it's rare and valuable.
It is common that some people would rather kiss your ass and sweep an issue under the rug than stir up your emotions, even if it's for the better.
However, the most important thing I took from this incident is the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are tactfully honest in the stickiest situations. These people force you to change and move forward and don't just flatter to please.
Whoever was sitting behind me in class, I truly thank you for your blunt honesty and eye-opening opinions. Most of all, I am grateful that even though we are at the third largest university in the nation, it still remains a small world.
Reach the reporter at: lauren.misak@asu.edu.
