Silence: The Not So Golden Standard

Daily writing prompt

Describe a decision you made in the past that helped you learn or grow.

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As a college student, I was lucky to have gone abroad during my first few years. I traveled to Japan—Nishi Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo—and stayed in a hostel room with students from the photography and business classes. During my stay, I tried my hand at independence and loved it. I went shopping, cooked for my new acquaintances, enjoyed karaoke, and indulged in the best parfait I’ve tasted. But, one morning, I awoke to one of the most challenging decisions I’ve made.

Upon getting up early, I realized there was a substance akin to wet cereal on the floor. Navigating my way, I walked around the mess and downstairs to study and grab breakfast at the nearby Micky-D’s. As I researched, I slowly realized the mess upstairs was likely the product of a drinking fiasco due to the night before. For a while, I silently worried about what to do. Regardless of age, drinking wasn’t allowed during the trip, and although I never drank anything, I was worried about the girl who had tossed her cookies all over the floor. Finally, with some resignation, I approached the professor in charge.

He listened to my side of the story, silently nodding occasionally to show he was still listening. Once I had finished, he commended me for being brave enough to bring the issue to his attention. During the following days, each girl in our room was pulled aside to tell her side of the story, and every time, they would return to the room to glare at me.

After the last girl had finished, the professor strode into our room with a stern look. He chided all of us for our misconduct and gave us an ultimatum: The girl who had made the mess could come forward, or we could all be banned from the trip and sent home.

The professor disappeared into the hallway, leaving us to discuss our choices. One girl, the leader of the group, gave two options: rat out their comrade or keep quiet and take our punishment. As she presented each option, every girl but I raised her hands for the second option. As I went to raise my hand, I was promptly denied as she said, “You don’t get a vote.”

I was unable to say anything and shrunk back into my bed. I’m not sure what happened with them after that, but none of us were expelled from the trip. I was moved to a different room, and no one spoke to me for the rest of the journey.

Back then, I was less social, but the trip made me realize I didn’t want to be quiet my entire life. Although it wasn’t my favorite, it shall always remain my most memorable.