Doesn’t matter who the person is, everyone
has their story to tell – Colin Easton can testify to that.
Colin Easton is the founder of The Stranger
Project. In this project, Easton blogs about a person’s story whom he just met
on the streets. Conversation can take up to 5 minutes to almost an hour and the
stories vary from very general to the deepest secrets.
In 2004, Easton took a Communication
program in pursuit of becoming a videographer. After realizing how much work it
was, he decided to pursue radio casting. In 2013, he was diagnosed with a major
clinical depression – knowing this made him uncomfortable. Thus, he decided to
change, and in 2014 he created The Stranger Project.
The stories that people tell Easton have an
immense impact on his condition, in a way that he learned to value connecting
and communicating with people. He emphasized that “communication is for our
well being”. He testified that, now he is confident in vocalizing his
experience of depression.
When talking to strangers it is easy to predict,
in advance, a person’s character; however, a book shouldn’t be judge by its
cover – same goes with people. Easton can agree with this truth with his experience
with Tom. Tom was a man Easton met on his 10th day of the project.
Although Tom’s appearance didn’t say it, but he is worth being acknowledged. He
donated $20,000 to the Vancouver General Hospital, despite being diagnose with
cancer.
Every person wants to be heard, regardless
if there’s a big audience or just one listener. A simple smile, eye-contact,
and a gentle approach can leave a big impact in one’s life. Easton says that
the reward of this project is, “there is a ripple effect”: people will start
approaching you and thanking you as well.
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