This I Believe
Growing up as a middle child in a house with three other siblings, all a fifteen months apart, there were many instances of scuffles, arguments, and flaring tempers. Looking back now, I have enormous respect for my parents concerning how they not only miraculously established order, but also enforced a set of values that I still carry with me today.
I was raised in a Catholic household where religion, respect, and integrity were valued above all else. These three values have aided me through the course of my life, helping me to make educated decisions, reflect upon my actions, and shape me into the person I have come to be today. Growing up, my parents taught me and my siblings to turn to God in times of need and in thanksgiving. My faith has provided me with the guidelines to be a better person, and even when I stray from my not so straight and narrow path, it offers me a strong hand back in the right direction.
Respect was something that was not an option that my parents offered us, but a requirement in every situation. From the time I was able to decipher right from wrong, my parents taught me to respect other people’s property and ideas. Disrespect was not, and still is not tolerated. This concept of respect for others guides my decision making and also helps me react to negative situations in a way that defends my character.
Integrity, in the terms of acting in ways that coincide with one’s set of beliefs and values, is the hardest of the three values to obtain, but is the most valuable. The ability to express your ideas and act in accordance to your beliefs sets the genuinely good people apart from the hypocrites who say one thing and do another. This value was introduced to me at a very young age, and although it can never be perfected, it can be developed and practiced. My integrity grows stronger with every challenging situation I am faced with.
With the help of these three values, combined with past experiences, I have set up a strong foundation to deal with my ever changing life-journey. Each new semester of school brings me closer to the day I will graduate and take on a classroom of my own. Every new semester brings new classes, professors, and classmates; each of these having the possibility of presenting me with fresh difficulties that have not yet emerged. Having built a strong foundation, I always have somewhere to turn with the never ending questions that will inevitably challenge me. I am constantly learning to open my mind to new ideas and explore the possibilities that will be presented. I sincerely hope that I can continue to explore the ever changing ideas that surround me, while continuing to grow in my faith, be a respectful individual, and protect my integrity, above all else.
Like I said, it's rough.. but I think it's a good start. I haven't really had to write much thus far in college. Which is slightly surprising.
Anyways,
Peace, love, and frozen grapes
Like I said, it's rough.. but I think it's a good start. I haven't really had to write much thus far in college. Which is slightly surprising.
Anyways,
Peace, love, and frozen grapes
