This I Believe

When Emily Vutech got a job in a gay bar, her friends and family had lots of questions. Ms. Vutech says she took the job to be in a vibrant environment, but she has come to believe that everyone could benefit from exploring worlds different from their own.

As a young immigrant to the United States, Yasmina Shaush feels the weight of several generations who have high expectations for her.

Delia Motavalli has grown up watching movies about fairy tales and princesses. But after she received a piece of advice from her mother, Delia has come to realize her own definition of "happily ever after."

Josh Stein believes that when people come together, it’s a beautiful thing. He's seen it happen on the Little League field, in a most unexpected way.

Josh Stein believes that when people come together, it’s a beautiful thing. He's seen it happen on the Little League field, in a most unexpected way.

While traveling in Spain one Christmas Eve, Rita Barrett felt that she and her friends were not quite welcome because of their American accents. But when she began speaking in Spanish, the language barrier was broken, and stereotypes were shattered.

In his early childhood days, Morris Mchawia Mwavizo learned a life lesson by watching ants that were determined to get out of a trap. With that same sense of self-determination, he found that he, too, could find a way out of poverty into a life he chose.

When Dale Long had asked himself the large life question, "Why are we here?," he wasn't always sure of the answer. But one night of stargazing with his children brought him clarity on his place in the universe.

For Lori Vermeulen, a "merge" sign is more than a traffic directive in a construction zone. It’s a life philosophy based on making a choice to do what is best for the group versus what is best for the individual.

When Lorena Templeton Querns was a teenager, her family adopted a baby boy. Though the feelings of love for him did not come right away, the family made a choice to love him.

Ginny Taylor has come to believe that during tough times, love has the opportunity to become stronger, when one partner learns to lean on the other.

Jane Martin believes in love, but not the wild and impetuous, Romeo-and-Juliet kind of love. She learned through her father that "old love" can be just as sweet.

As a college student, Sarah Culp Searles found her life in turmoil one day. Upon returning home, her family cat taught her a life lesson she still holds dear: that real love is steadfast and unconditional.

When a friend was diagnosed with lung cancer, Patricia James didn't quite know what to do or say at first. But then she realized exactly what she needed to do: just show up.

When Traci Higgins was seven years old and living in a housing project, her mother taught her the importance of giving to charity. Now as an adult, she believes in charitable giving because it gives her hope for the future.