This I Believe (Math Extra Credit NPR Inspired Essay)

The term “companion” is a human with whom you spent a lot of time, or in the most basic term, a friend. The origin of “companion” is Latin and Old French, both meaning, “one who breaks bread with another”. 

I believe in the power of a meal. 

Friendships are made over the course of a meal. Throughout high school, I have made close bonds to my lunch table every semester. Nobody wants to spend the time watching each other eat, awkwardly sitting in silence. Instead, people talk. Political and religious views are debated. Morals are revealed. Personal stories or told. Eating habits are observed. Do they hum when they eat, enjoying every bite? Do they complain about their drab food? Do they start eating your food without asking? Meals form bonds.

I believe in the power of a meal. When my mom was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer that was simultaneously attacking her liver, she went to a nutritionist. She took chemo as well, but most people do not live five years out from diagnosis. My mom has been living for eight years since. Why? Her meals changed drastically. She cut out sugar completely. She ate kale in every way she could: salads, smoothies, and stir fries. She began snacking on vegetables and limited her intake of coffee. Meals cure, heal, and protect.

I believe in the power of a meal. My aunt always says that eating is an important task to conquer. Eating etiquette determines your relationships and job. Sometimes a job or college interview takes place over a meal. How you chew, place your napkin, offer to pay, and speak while eating displays your character and tells the interviewer more about yourself than your words. Meals can determine your future.

I believe in the power of a meal. When having a rough day, there is nothing more comforting than a bowl of soup or mashed potatoes. Humans crave comfort in their food. Food determines how you feel. Too many potatoes and bread and you get tired. Ice cream makes you happy. Too much chocolate and sweets and you feel ill. Fruit and vegetables and you feel refreshed and healthy. Meals determine your mood.

I believe in the power of a meal. Memories and traditions are made in meals. We eat cake at birthdays, turkey on thanksgiving, and stick to our culture’s traditions. As an Italian, I have pasta with nearly every holiday meal. Our days revolve around meals. When at college, I know the first thing I will miss is my mom’s home made cooking. Meals make memories.

I believe in the power of a meal. Some of the most important conversations are had over dinner and food. I found out about my mother’s illness over dinner. Parents sit their children down to a meal to inform them of a new child on the way. Our culture depends on meals to be informative. Jesus found out about his betrayal over a meal. The pilgrims ate thanksgiving with the Natives to form a relationship. Meals provide an ideal time to share. 

I believe in the power of a meal. Meals provide a sense of identity. Your meals show your culture and morals. You can be vegetarian, like myself, vegan, pescatarian, or have food allergies, such as celiac disease, or lactose intolerance like myself. By explaining what you eat, how much you eat, when you eat, you identify yourself into a certain community of people. Meals create self-identity and show others important information about yourself. 

I believe in the power of a meal.