I was in the cafeteria at lunch and I noticed a few of my colleagues already in cue. I approached them to extend my greetings. However, they urged me to get in the line with them while several people were already in cue behind them. Out of fairness, I denied and said I would get behind the line and meet them afterwards. One of my colleagues then said, "just get in...this is Pakistan." To some this may seem very trivial but it made me upset. Whether I am in Pakistan or Canada, I will do what I think is fair and right. I will not compromise my morals and ethics for anyone. I did not even mind when I got into cue and someone "budged" in front of me.

Some say that in order to survive anywhere, you need to act like the people who are living with. But to what extent? Are you willing to forget who you are just to "survive" or "fit in?" I have been told over and over again that, people look out for only themselves and that I should do the same. Granted I have met many individuals who could care less about others but I have also met MANY beautiful Souls who literally hold this world together. I have met those who slam doors on people's faces but I have also met individuals who have bent over backwards to help someone in need.

What does survival mean anyways? Here are two definitions for you from Princeton: "a state of surviving; remaining alive" and "a natural process resulting in the evolution of organisms best adapted to the environment." In my humble opinion, survival requires a collective effort. It depends on every single person playing their part to not only improve themselves but helping to improve the entire lot. We depend on each other. For centuries people have survived and societies have thrived through simple acts of kindness and through voluntary work. Work that expects no rewards and no recognitions.

Have we become so individualistic that we have weakened our ties with everyone else?