Jeremiah R.

My Experience Cleaning
Cleaning the house has always been a part of my life, and it has taught me things that go beyond just keeping things clean.
In Tanzania, I learned early on that keeping a clean home was more than just how it looked. It was also about respect, discipline, and making a place where you could do well. My parents told me that cleaning up after yourself is a way to take care of yourself.
I appreciated this even more when I lived alone in Kenya while I was in college. I learned quickly that being clean in shared student housing also means being nice to other people. I was the one who didn't mind cleaning the kitchen that everyone used or making cleaning schedules. I didn't like scrubbing floors; I knew that a clean, organized space helps everyone focus and feel calm.
Cleaning is interesting to me because it makes me feel calm. Making sense of chaos is a simple, real thing that keeps you grounded. When you've been thinking about abstract ideas in international relations for hours, sometimes the best thing to do is to look at a clean countertop or books that are neatly arranged things that are clear and right away.
I've also learned that you need to plan ahead to clean well. You don't just attack at random; you plan your attacks, focus on the areas that will have the biggest effect, and stick to your habits instead of waiting for a crisis. These principles prioritization, consistency, and attention to detail have helped me a lot in every job I've had.
Cleaning isn't fun, but it's honest work that matters. A clean space is the most important thing.