Song teaches lessons of life
Campus Times
April 23, 1999
At last, the opportunity for me to publicly express what has served
as my life motto for the past few weeks has arrived. Those who have been
around me most recently have fallen witness to one of my favorite songs,
"Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)."
Originally, the piece was created in 1997 by Chicago Tribune columnist
Mary Schmich to rant about the lack of knowledge of youth. It has since
been re-adapted with legal rights by Quindon Tarver, and currently exists
as "The Sunscreen Song," as it is known to many people.
Most claim that the seven-minute piece is nothing more than a boring
speech accompanied by a beat; but it means much more than that. It exists
as a source of motivation and confidence for many of the ordeals endured
day by day.
"The real troubles in your life are things that never crossed your
worried mind ... Do one thing every day that scares you," Schmich proclaims.
Especially in the college setting, where the future seems so close yet
so complicated, it is important to assure oneself that worrying about little
things will not help solve larger problems. Happiness and enjoyment within
one's life are vital to good health; hence, the advice to take risks and
overcome our fears is given.
She states, "Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're
ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long, and, in the end, it's
only with yourself."
As humans, we often compare our accomplishments and lifestyles to those
of others. We dwell on our feats and beat ourselves up rather than push
ourselves through the race to at least reach the finish line.
At the same time, most college students stress tremendously about their
futures, and Schmich suggests not to "feel guilty if you don't know
what you want to do with your life." She discusses the 22-year-olds
who did not know their future, as well as "some of the most interesting
40-year-olds" who are still unsure.
"Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children,
maybe you won't." The future is reiterated as a primary concern for
many people, but, once more, it is vital to comprehend that the future is
often out of our hands. The decisions we make today may be valid for only
a moment, much like the the decisions others make as well.
Schmich also evaluates our society. For the most part, physical appearances
have become a major factor in the manner in which people view one another.
Whether we are instigators or boycotters of this fact, people have been
affected by what is deemed acceptable by society.
Therefore, Schmich advises people not to be afraid of what others think
of their physical appearance; the body is the "greatest instrument
you'll ever own."
"Dance," she states. "Even if you have nowhere to do
it but in your own living room," because expressing ourselves via music
and movement is often the most efficient way to attain joy and relaxation.
Among the most heartening words Schmich offers, she asks that people
grow close to their parents and establish a strong relationship with siblings,
for one can never know when they may no longer be around in life. "Respect
your elders."
Schmich's advice may seem quite lengthy and irritating, but, overall,
it serves as a key to life. The facts of life, such as those which Schmich
dispenses, cannot be given a time restriction nor can they be restricted
by manner of expression. Some of life's lessons can be easily applied like
sunscreen, but most are attained through experience and appreciation.
Araceli Esparza, a junior journalism major, is managing editor of
the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at esparzaa@ulv.edu.
