Taking AP Psychology this year, I was assigned a Random Acts of Kindness Project.

    This random business was an interesting concept. It explored a raw experience, stripped of personal gain. Obviously, "helping" makes me feel better about myself, even going as far as providing justification for my not-so-nice moments.

    By looking deeper, I came to the realization that an overextension of my resources and myself not only transcends my personal comfort zone physically but does mentally as well.

    Upon completion, I found myself analyzing ideas I never gave significance too; consequently, I surrendered to this curiosity and attacked an issue of trust.

    Psychology teacher Heather Hall, began the class with a rescue story. Husband, wife, child one, and child two drive by a car on the side of the road. Slightly concerned, the husband is interested in stopping to check the situation. The wife isn’t thrilled about the proposition considering the family is in the car; she continues to explain that this idea is simply ridiculous.

    As the husband continues on, they drive toward a man on a cell phone walking down the street. This time, he stresses a specific instinct: he is needed.

    It just so happens that the man was having a heart attack and couldn’t tell the police where he was because… well… he was having a heart attack.

    This random act of kindness prevails and saves a life, but what is to be said about the wife’s behavior? How consistent is her behavior in comparison to the rest of society?

    Her predicament was the trust element of the situation. She had her family in the car, and honestly, this is how people die, right? The rape and murder stories are readily available; she simply chose to protect.

    It was after this story that I questioned myself. I would have stopped; why didn’t she? This story of a random act of kindness sparked a realization: I am liberal with my trust. I give it out. I believe that people’s intentions are always good-natured. Whether this is a mistake or not, it’s how I am wired.

    The idea of a conservative trust, the slightly pessimistic and cautious trust, truthfully blows my mind at first glance. It is a concept that I constantly fight. Not giving someone the benefit of the doubt feels wrong on my skin. When I am forced to judge for my safety, I feel cynical and manipulative.

    People classify this behavior as straight naivete, but I have a strong belief that when I respect a situation without judgment, there is chance for experience.

    Trust is something I test in the development of my character. Teenagers, in general, push the limits of "trust."

    Be it with parents, with teachers, with friends, with relationships, it seems as if we, the "teenage population," constantly weigh the value of this concept, defending it only in its convenience.

    With so many people disregarding this characteristic, the "trusting" are taken advantage of by the "trusted."

    To find balance between your personal well-being and missing out on an opportunity is seemingly impossible. But it is important to be realistic. It’s cliche, but, in every situation, there is a time to say no.

    Having said this, it is important to know that I continue to remain optimistic, for it keeps the spirit intact; but I have taken into account that trust is not a item to be handed out generously.

    A liberal approach to trust is simply not realistic. Whether it intertwines with common sense or not, these people get burned.

    There needs to be a balance between the two extremes.

    So my curiosity prevails. It puts a large smile on my face when my studies stimulate this kind of thought. I have been able to identify a weak spot in my personal philosophy. A healthy mix of the two extremes can accomplish the same experiences but helps you leave with everything you came with.

    Reflecting back to the family, it still remains that I would have stopped, but I feel confident that I am on my way to better judgment. We all get burned once or twice, but those heal and leave reminders.

    In a more conservative manner, I will make strides toward better judgment.