Ruth Mekasha

The constant need for completeness engulfs us in our daily lives. Who are we? Give us something – anything – what’s our label? Between ‘What’s your name?’ and ‘What do you do?’ lies a pre-determined soliloquy that quenches a curious stranger’s thirst, while we repeatedly tell ourselves what makes us, US. It is a tradition, a universal law to be categorized; it has been done since the beginning of time.

To be loved is to be known; to be understood. I regard myself lucky to have built relationships that add to my growth and feed my emotional components. For me, it is a significant need to be understood – more than the need to be loved. Although, they go hand in hand.

In a community where a woman’s character is often judged by how obedient and docile she appears, having an opinionated stand is a privilege not many can afford or dare. For generations, the majority of the female population has been given a specific script to live by; a responsibility to uphold while also maintaining the facade of a ‘kept woman.’

Before Computers and digital games, a third grader’s joy came from storytime. I was one of those students who relished listening to the teacher’s captivating tales. I remember a specific story one of my favorite teachers told us. He narrated a story about King Solomon of Israel.

The search for perfect happiness has worn out the soles of many men. Throughout history, philosophers have pondered and wondered about the remedy of a happy life. Ultimately, the consequential terms Existentialism, Nihilism, and Absurdism were coined. Before telling you which group I relate to, I want to explain their meaning.

I had a friend who always used to say ‘If I look for perfection, I’ll find excellence.’ He even had it on his bio on social media. When I asked him what he meant by that, he explained,’ Even though I can never achieve perfection, inevitably, I can attain excellence.’