Eric Rodriguez

I could not resist going to see The Last Jedi. I am a big Star Wars fan, and I am so glad that some type of Star Wars movie is being released every year.

There must be a bunch of other Star Wars fans; The Last Jedi has been the top grossing movie worldwide since its release Dec. 14. If you have not seen the film, you might want to stop reading now. I will be sharing some details from the movie.

In this episode of Star Wars, the Imperial forces have almost completely destroyed the Rebel fighters. Luke Skywalker has disappeared and is not helping the rebellion. He is retired from all of the fighting. He found himself a beautiful little island on a far away planet where he could quietly spend the rest of his days. Who can blame Luke Skywalker for not wanting to fight anymore? Why should he teach someone else the ways of the Jedi?

As I creep slowly but surely toward the half-century mark, I understand the appeal of disappearing somewhere where no one can find you and ask for your help. I think many people dream of the day that they can quit working and just get away. Some people would love to live on an island where no one could bother you or ask for your help. For many, this is a big part of the American dream: being able to still live comfortably without working as a reward for all of your hard work earlier in your life. I hope that you will resist that call to shy away from society and still find a way to help your community even while you are retired from work.

Just like Rey, the heroine in The Last Jedi, needs Luke Skywalker to show her the ways of the Force, someone needs you. You could volunteer at your church or at one of our local schools. Maybe you can reach out to that family member you have not spoken to in a while. Maybe you can show your grandchild, or your friend’s grandchild, how you grow a garden. I am sure everyone reading this can help someone somehow or has some knowledge that needs to be passed on to the next generation.

We are getting close to New Year’s Eve, and that means many people are starting to think about a resolution for 2018. I am sure many people will vow to quit smoking, or to lose weight, or to exercise more. I hope some of you will make a resolution to not be like Luke Skywalker in the beginning of The Last Jedi. Think about making a resolution to help someone or teach someone something in 2018. It might just help make this year your best year ever.

Eric lives in Suwannee County and is a public school educator. He is an independent contractor. You can reach him at miamistyle8@gmail.com.