Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover | Teen Ink

Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover

August 21, 2010
By AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
"According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don't have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I've never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you're also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking." — Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy's Gate)


Soaking wet and cold from the relentless downpour, I ran through the metal doors into the large white room of the church, fondly called the C.A.V.E., Christians Always Value Everyone. I sure hoped they would value me, a newcomer to Youth Group, and an unfamiliar addition to the various circles of friends. Because I have never been to school, I was clueless about what to expect from this group of teens. As I wondered if I would be accepted, there was no way for me to know that I was the one who would learn the true lesson of valuing everyone. I had grown up hearing the old saying; “Don’t judge a book by its cover. Perhaps more out of habit than actual thought and belief, I had always accepted this wisdom. I wanted to believe it, but the information had never really sunken in. At the time I had no idea, but walking through the doors to the C.A.V.E. would forever change the way I felt about that phrase.

The doors of the C.A.V.E. clicked shut behind me and I looked up to observe the unfamiliar area. Even at first glance, I could see there was a definite social pattern to decode. My mind clicked furiously as I tried to decide where I should sit. I had no idea where I was “supposed” to go, and in my insecurity I did not want to make the wrong choice. A few guys older than me were on one couch, and the most of the girls were squeezed onto another. The third couch contained two nerdy looking boys, who no one seemed interested in. In between the couches were empty chairs. These were obviously uncool to sit in, but I decided an uncool spot would be better than sitting with the wrong group, so I walked up to a chair and sat down. My eyes scanned for any sign of acknowledgement from the group. Nothing. This was going to be interesting.

For the first month I attended youth group, every week was the same. I tried fruitlessly to find my spot on the social ladder, and suffered lonely failure each week. I wanted so badly to be part of the cool crowd, surrounded by friends and admirers. My desire to be liked was strong, and I soon forgot the saying I had been told so many times. I watched how the “cool” kids treated others, especially the two nerdy boys I had noticed during my first time at youth group. These kids were not good books, but I had become too focused on the gaudy covers to care.

I may have forgotten my lesson on not judging people, but lucky for me, there was someone who hadn’t. Joseph Nelson was not cool. He wasn’t interested in the things the cool kids were, and most of the teens ignored him. When people did interact with him, it was more likely than not an unkind interaction. Unfortunately, this was also the position I was in. While I spent all of my time trying to befriend the cool kids, Joseph, invisible to the popular crowd, was living up to the true standards of the C.A.V.E.

The next week started out just like all of the weeks before it. I tried to wiggle my way into the ranks of the popular girls, and failed once again. My hopes were dimming, and after trying to join the conversation for a while, I gave up and turned away, ready to retreat to loneliness for the rest of the night. However, standing in the path to solitude was Joseph, hoping to welcome me and be the friend I wanted so badly. He was ready to do the uncool thing and befriend me, but I was not willing to do the same.

Joseph didn’t give up however, and the more I started to talk to him, the clearer I was able to see the person underneath the uncool image. I started to see that Joseph was more than a dorky kid – he was a guy with a kind heart and a willingness to accept everybody for who they are inside. As I got to know Joseph better, I realized he was right. It doesn’t matter what you look like, how you talk, or where you rank on the social ladder. All that matters is what is on the inside.

Finally I opened my mind and my heart, and I started to see people how they really were. Being cool was no longer my goal, and I was able to let go of the images of the cool teenagers I had created in my mind.

Once I started to hang out with Joseph, and really be his friend without regard for how it would affect my status, I really started to enjoy myself at youth group. Looking past what was on the outside, and enjoying the person inside Joseph taught me a valuable lesson- that saying I had ignored was true, and it really is the inside that matters.

A couple of months later, if my belief needed to be affirmed, it was when my dog died. A member of our family for fifteen years, we were going to put her down on Thursday. When I came into youth group on Wednesday, I was understandably upset. During the time in which everyone would tell the group about their week, I shared what was happening with my dog.

I had hoped talking to the group would make me feel less upset, but when I received the same “Oh, I’m sorry”s as those who were depressed by poor test grades, it was hard to bear.

“These people really don’t care.” I thought.
Just then, when my spirits had plunged into the depths of despair, Joseph came through for me once again. He gave me a pat on the back and said, “It’s okay. Remember, life is good.” A shaky smile lifted the corners of my mouth, causing the tears to roll away, leaving nothing but small water paths on my face. That kindness was all I needed, and by the time I went home, Joseph had me laughing, marching toward the sad day with the armor of friendship and the strength of a smile.

I have come a long way since the day I walked through the doors to Youth Group. Joseph and I are now best friends, and he has helped me laugh my way through several other rough times. I have moved away, but I still keep in touch with the guy who taught me never to judge.
Even though I am in a different state, I think I have become a true member of the C.A.V.E., valuing and accepting everyone for who they are inside. And it didn’t stop with Joseph. What I learned from his friendship has led me to many other great friends, including those who seemed invisible. No longer is the phrase “Never judge a book by its cover” just a phrase. Who a person is on the inside is much more important than their outside appearance, and I live by this every day. To think it all started with a gesture of kindness by someone no one seemed to care about.


The author's comments:
This is a valuable lesson for everyone. Last names changed to protect the innocent. :)

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This article has 13 comments.


AsIAm PLATINUM said...
on Nov. 27 2010 at 11:13 pm
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
"According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don't have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I've never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you're also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking." — Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy's Gate)

I'm glad you liked it (or at least liked the message).  Needless to say, this is one of the few people I've moved away from that I actually miss. :(

 

And I know - I was pretty mad that they were so cold.  Oh well, the type of kids they were I shouldn't have expected any differently.  And this dog was DEFINITELY part of the family. lol She was in it longer than any of us kids!


on Nov. 16 2010 at 4:59 pm
NeverCaredForKool-Aid GOLD, Elkridge, Maryland
13 articles 0 photos 531 comments

Favorite Quote:
I don't believe in hell but I believe in my parent's couch-- Watsky

There isn't really much to say after reading a very raw-meaning piece like this one.  I'm so glad that you've been able to grow into the person you are.

And on a slighlty random note, I feel your pain about the dog-thing.  I don't understand how a dog can remain a pet in some people's lives, and not a member of the family.  I.  Love.  My.  Dog.  And when my family's first died, I was a mess.  Dogs are far more important than tests.  I can't believe than almost no one cared :(


AsIAm PLATINUM said...
on Nov. 12 2010 at 10:37 pm
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
"According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don't have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I've never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you're also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking." — Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy's Gate)

Thank you!

on Nov. 11 2010 at 5:37 pm
Phoenix97 PLATINUM, Minneapolis, Minnesota
29 articles 4 photos 62 comments

Favorite Quote:
See lyrics to "Let the Waters Rise" by MIKESCHAIR and "Everything" by Lifehouse

Good job on this article. Having been both the ignorer and the ignored, its good to be reminded to look past the cover. You wrote this story well and adequately conveyed the point. :)

on Nov. 9 2010 at 6:49 pm
Healing_Angel SILVER, Sydney, Other
8 articles 2 photos 509 comments

Favorite Quote:
Live for today, not for tomorrow

Rereading this was amazing! I wish I had a friend like Joseph! There aren't many in the world!! I love the last paragraph. I have no complaints.You've done very well with this! :) 

AsIAm PLATINUM said...
on Oct. 4 2010 at 4:09 pm
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
"According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don't have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I've never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you're also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking." — Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy's Gate)

I'm really glad I could help, even if it is just a little thing. :)  Good luck with the school situation - I promise it will get better.  If you need to vent, feel free - I know exactly how you feel and I'll listen.  And yes, Joseph is a great guy - he set a really awesome example. :)  Thanks again, AsIAm

_NoAir_ BRONZE said...
on Oct. 4 2010 at 4:04 pm
_NoAir_ BRONZE, Toronto, Other
4 articles 1 photo 463 comments

Favorite Quote:
There are as many ways to live as there are people in this world. Each one deserves a closer look.<br /> <br /> <br /> &ndash;Golly (Harriet The Spy)

Awesome. No really, it really helped me. I feel ready to start a new day at my new school, where it seems like I'm invisible. I'll try, but it's hard. Anyways, very descriptive, and Joseph sounds like a true friend. Keep up the good work.   =)

AsIAm PLATINUM said...
on Sep. 12 2010 at 10:35 am
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don&#039;t have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I&#039;ve never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you&#039;re also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking.&quot; &mdash; Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy&#039;s Gate)

Thanks so much!

on Sep. 12 2010 at 10:31 am
iluvnacho PLATINUM, Somewhere, Colorado
28 articles 1 photo 67 comments

Favorite Quote:
\&quot;Find the beauty in the ugly\&quot;-Jason Mraz 5-19-10<br /> \&quot;Be kinder than nessicary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.\&quot; Unknown 11-29-10

I honestly think this is a wonderful piece. i try to look on the inside also. Your descriptions were great, and just because of reading this piece, i think you are an awesome person. keep up the wonderful work! :D

AsIAm PLATINUM said...
on Sep. 2 2010 at 1:40 pm
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don&#039;t have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I&#039;ve never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you&#039;re also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking.&quot; &mdash; Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy&#039;s Gate)

Dear Random-Dude-Who-Clicked-Two-Stars, two stars means needs some serious work.  If you are reading this right now, suggestions and honest brutal criticisms would be welcomed by a hug and a virtual cookie! ~AsIAm

AsIAm PLATINUM said...
on Aug. 30 2010 at 4:45 pm
AsIAm PLATINUM, Somewhere, North Carolina
48 articles 3 photos 606 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;According to some, heroic deaths are admirable things. (Generally those who don&#039;t have to do it. Politicians and writers spring to mind.) I&#039;ve never been convinced by this argument, mainly because, no matter how cool, stylish, composed, unflappable, manly, or defiant you are, at the end of the day you&#039;re also dead. Which is a little too permanent for my liking.&quot; &mdash; Jonathan Stroud (Ptolemy&#039;s Gate)

Eatfoodzap:  Thanks so much! P.S. your username rocks socks :)

Healing_Angel:  You must be a nice person! :)


on Aug. 30 2010 at 1:02 am
Healing_Angel SILVER, Sydney, Other
8 articles 2 photos 509 comments

Favorite Quote:
Live for today, not for tomorrow

I feel as though you've written about me! I've lived by that rule all my life and don't plan to stop now. All I want is to make someone else happy.

on Aug. 29 2010 at 12:50 pm
Eatfoodzap SILVER, Winchester, Massachusetts
5 articles 2 photos 24 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. But if you can overcome the sacrifice and make it your own, you will gain an irreplaceable Fullmetal heart.&quot;- Edward Elric

This is a lovely, sweet story. It tells the age-old (kinda) tale of trying to fit in, but it gives a new twist in the sense that instead of being at school, where the "social castes" are practically written law, it's in a gentler environment. Still, I like how you showed that even in a place like the youth group, you can still want to fit in and still find a friend. A very relateable story! I'd give it 6/5, if I could. ^_^