Finding Courage Within Myself by Ryan Hobbib

Character Matters Essay Contest, 1^st Place, Elementary School Division

When I was eight years old, and in third grade, my dad and my whole family went through a difficult time. That’s when my dad was first diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor in his right leg. I didn’t know a lot about cancer before that, but I’ve learned more about it over the past year and a half. I’ve also learned a lot about the strength and courage you need to be able to get through challenging times when everything seems uncertain.

When I think about character traits and values that I think are important in life, going through this experience with my family has taught me many things. It has taught me to be positive even when things are challenging. I learned from the example my dad set that you can never give up, no matter what. Throughout everything that happened to him, my dad never complained, and he was so strong and brave. Watching him go through his surgery, his cancer treatments, and his therapy has inspired me greatly to always give whatever it is that I’m doing my best effort.

My dad had to stop working, had surgery to remove the tumor, and had lots of radiation and physical therapy to try to get better. He couldn’t walk for awhile and my mom had to drive him everywhere. There were days when I could tell my dad was tired or in pain, but he still tried his best and told his doctors and his therapists that he was going to do “ten times better” than the goals they had set for him. And guess what? He did just that most of the time because of his determination to get better and his positive mental attitude.

Some days I felt scared because I didn’t know what was going to happen and my dad wasn’t feeling very good. When I felt that way, my family, friends, and my teachers really helped me out by staying positive and strong for me, which helped me get back to thinking positive again.

My dad has made a lot of improvement in the last year and a half. Dealing with my dad’s cancer has changed me in several ways. Before my dad was sick, I wasn’t very confident in myself. I didn’t think I could handle difficult situations or extreme challenges. While my dad was in the hospital having surgery to remove the tumor from his leg, I was very fearful that something bad could happen during the surgery. But I went to school that day and I tried my best to keep my mind off of the things that scared me and I prayed that my dad would be okay. Making it through a hard thing like my dad’s cancer has taught me that I do have the strength inside of me. I am not a scaredy-cat like I thought I was!

My mom is also a role model for me. While my dad was going through this, my mom took care of him and my younger sister and me the whole time. She had to do everything for all of us and never once complained. She made sure we could see our dad after surgery and told us what dad was going through so we weren’t as worried.

All year long, mom made sure my sister and I had lots of fun and special things to do, even though she was taking care of my dad full-time. She still volunteered at my school and at our church’s bible camp during the summer.

My mom sits down with me every night and helps me and my sister with our schools projects and homework. She helps out at school and church events, even if she is tired. One of the biggest reasons I do so well in school is because of my mom’s love, support and encouragement. My mom always tells me that I can be anything I want to or dream to be if I do my best and do something that I enjoy.

One of the best lessons my mom has taught me ever is to always give to people who need help. Last year, I helped her in donating school supplies to the Monarch School for homeless kids, food drives for poor families, and Christmas presents for kids in Mexico, even though our family was struggling through a hard time because of my dad’s health condition at the time.

I appreciate my parents’ example of courage to stay strong and brave and to never give up, no matter what. It’s also very important to be kind to others and do what we can to help make a positive difference in the world. I believe these character values will help me as I go through life and in the decisions that I will make in the future.

Grammy: My Great Grandma Hovatter by Ryan Komasa

Character Matters Essay Contest, 2^nd Place, Elementary School Division

My great grandma lived from 1929-2004. She grew up poor on a farm in Arizona. Grammy had a lot of character. She was honest, courageous, respectful, responsible, and had self-discipline. She was a great example. I felt she was a great person.

Grammy was Honest. She always told the truth and regretted her sins. If you asked a question she would tell the truth. She thought little lies where as bad as big ones.

Grammy had courage. She comforted us when we got scared. She had courage to try something new. She had courage to tell the truth in life. She also had the courage to stand up to whatever life threw at her because she knew God was at her side. Grammy had the courage to leave everyone she loved to move to Africa and Saudi Arabia to teach people how to use big farm equipment. She spent many years there helping people she didn’t know because she thought it was the right thing to do.

Grammy had respect for both, living and dead, mean and nice in heaven and in hell. Grammy respected all of God’s creations. She had great respect for the desert where she grew up and taught me how to respect the desert too.

She loved the desert and took us on what she called rock hunting for hours at a time. We’d bring back many rocks. Then we would crack some of them open. Grammy loved the desert rose the most. Sometimes we would go for walks and at night, we would eat hamburgers and toast marshmallows. Grammy would say the desert is peaceful and quiet.

Every holiday like; Christmas, Easter, Forth of July, Grammy would go to grave sites of loved ones and clean up the headstones. She would put beautiful flowers in the holders and pray for them.

Grammy was responsible. She took responsibility when she did something wrong. She took responsibility in love and in lost hope. Grammy felt it was her responsibility to help others. Grammy was part of the P.E.O. organization where women help women advance. P.E.O. has grown and is a great responsibility. P.E.O stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization.

Grammy took care of a lot of people. She took care of my Mom when she was a little girl and my grandma was at work. Grammy took care of her parents and uncle when they got old and needed help. Grammy was a great example to everyone.

Grammy had self discipline. She never took drugs, drank alcohol, or smoked. She went to Church every Sunday and lived a healthy life. She took care of herself, her house, her family, and her pets. She made sure to take care of God’s creations.

Grammy was loyal to me and I love her. We share the same birthday. I think it is cool because we could celebrate together. After Grammy died, every year on our birthday we put an extra candle for her on the cake. We all miss Grammy very much. She watches us from Heaven.

One of my favorite memories of Grammy is her last Thanksgiving with us. I think we were at her house in Yuma. We went to the desert and went rock hunting. Grammy found us each a desert rose. She held my hand and smiled the whole time. That was one of the last memories I have of Grammy. I miss Grammy a lot.

Grammy is a part of me. Grammy had all you needed in life. She had honesty, courage, respect, responsibility and self-discipline.

Why Character Counts by Madina Ansari

Character Matters Essay Contest, 3^rd Place, Elementary School Division

“Jessica, Jessica” I whispered to my sister while we were at Walmart. “Look at that woman’s nails! They’re soo long,” I whispered. “They could probably reach Antartica!” “He-he-he,” laughed my sister. “Girls,” said my mom. “Stop talking about people,” she scolded. “It’s very rude,” she said.

Two days later at Target.

“Rubye, Rubye,” whispered my sister. “Look at that lady’s hair.” “It’s all green and ugly,” she said. Mom heard what she said.

“Jessica, what did I say about talking about people?” “Sorry,” she apologized. “But that’s what Rubye does!” My mom gave me a stern look. “Do you see where she’s learning this from?” I immediately realized that even at a young age, my character can affect someone else’s character.

Character matters for many reasons. Some of the best character traits are: being kind to people, helping others, and being a superb role model. What makes you a good or bad person depends on how your character is. If you have good character, then you make good choices even if no one is around. If you have bad character, then you do not care to be rude when people are present or not.

One character trait that is essential is being respectful towards people. If you are respectful towards everyone, no matter who they are, they will probably respect you in return. When you respect people, you will judge others by their character instead of their appearance. You will also be tolerant of other cultures and ideas, and open to new things. If you are respectful toward other people, then you could find a variety of friends in life. On the other hand, if you are disrespectful, you could end up a lonely and bitter person. Overall, being respectful is a very important trait to have.

Another trait that is just as significant as respect is being caring and helpful. Whenever anyone has a problem, you should always help them out of the kindness of your heart. This action shows good character. For example, when my friend, Lisa, called me asking for our class spelling word list which she left in her desk, I gave her the spelling list so she could study and complete her homework. It was simple. I didn’t tell her that I would give her the list if she gave me, for example, a dollar. Helping people from your heart is special because God will give you good deeds for it. Assisting someone only for the expectation of getting help or something in return is not a good etiquette nor does it shape good character.

Character especially counts because we are all role models to everyone. As I mentioned before, even if you don’t think that people are looking up to you, they are. When I mentioned the woman with the long nails to my sister, she, too, started gossiping. My mom was not only annoyed with the gossiping, but also upset at me for showing my younger sister a bad example. I now know that even if you don’t have a younger brother or sister, everyone is still a role model. Many role models are famous people such as Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, Biddy Mason, and much more. Boycotts against unfair rules, marches against segregation, peaceful protests against injustice, and caring for children and healing the sick, are all examples good character. And you don’t have to be famous or sing songs to be a good role model. You can be a fine role model in your classroom to influence other children. Your classmates will imitate your good qualities and not your bad ones. Being a good role model is very valuable because you yourself will have good character and will influence others to have good character.

Having good character makes you feel good inside and out. You will be a role model, and a respectful, caring, and helpful person. Having these qualities will make you an outstanding citizen.

A month later my family was at the store again.

“Jessica, Jessica! Look at that woman’s--” I stopped.

“What were you going to say?” my sister asked.

“Oh, nevermind.” I replied. “I was going talk about someone to you.”

My mom added, “That’s good that you learned to be a good role model for your sister and you taught yourself not to gossip.” My heart was filled with jubilation.

SO, FOLLOW ME AND ACT TODAY! START BEING AN EXCELLENT ROLE MODEL: BE CARING, HELPFUL AND RESPECTFUL!

The Elements of Character by Rex Hammock

Character Matters Essay Contest, 1st Place, Middle School Division

Character is one of the most important aspects of a person. True character comes from the ability to overcome obstacles and learn from one’s mistakes. It is the ability to see those who need help, and be able to put aside one’s own needs in order to take care of the people who need help the most. I have witnessed “true character” from not only my own grandpa, but also by a nameless newspaperman who I see every day on my way to school. In both my grandfather and the paper man, I see similar traits of faith, cheerfulness, and perseverance. These elements help develop strong character in people, and we are drawn to people with these traits.

The greatest example of someone with a strong moral character is my grandpa. My grandmother is in poor health; she is in the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease. She and my grandpa have been married for over fifty years, but sometimes she does not recognize him anymore. This, however, does not prevent my grandpa from caring for her so lovingly on a daily basis. He keeps a positive spirit and cheerful attitude and continues to feed her and provide for her, expressing often how the vows he took over fifty years ago still remain on his mind and heart.

Although he has had his own health issues over the last few years, he maintains a happy demeanor and does not complain. I often wonder how my grandpa manages to keep a smile on his face throughout the day when things seem difficult for him. A few years ago he was attacked by a pitbull when he was walking in a canyon. The dog ran away from its owner and attacked my grandpa. The owner called 911, but did not wait around to help my then-eighty-year-old grandpa. In fact, the owner disconnected his phone soon afterward, and never paid any of the bills that were the result of my grandpa’s injuries and hospital stay. Yet, my grandpa never complained; instead he offered up his sufferings to God. He prayed a lot and said he felt grateful to be alive. That is my grandpa’s character—loving, cheerful, and accepting. Every time I see him, he gives me a great big hug, and usually offers me a favorite treat, like ice-cream. Recently I asked him how he was able to always be happy, even when Grandma is having a bad day. His answer was short and simple: faith.

I was not surprised by his answer. He is a devout Catholic who prays a lot and has a strong relationship with God. He told me that every day when he wakes up, he thanks God and asks Him to help him throughout the day. After this, I started to think more about what my grandpa said and I determined that my grandpa was right. If we have faith and trust the Lord, we can conquer obstacles that we normally cannot. Ever since my grandpa taught me this, I have tried to rely on prayer and my faith more. I want to be more like him. He has helped me to think of others who seem forgotten by most people, like the newspaperman on Highway 101.

The newspaperman stands on the island in the middle of the street, trying to sell newspapers to people who pass his way. I see him every day on the way to school. He is a bearded man, with large hands and dark eyes. His appearance reflects what must have been a difficult life. I look forward to seeing him every morning though. There is something about his spirit, his character, that draws me in. I always have a dollar ready for him; I look for him a few blocks ahead of where he stands on the island, by the Starbucks on Highway 101. I look for his usual large, round hand waving enthusiastically at me, as he walks toward our van when he sees us. Despite what he may be feeling inside, he smiles broadly, exposing gaps in his smile from missing teeth. I know that this man is involved in a newspaper program to help him get off the street. He is hired to sell newspapers; he is learning to work again, and to be responsible. He is always cheerful. Every day, he gives us a newspaper, thanks us for buying it, shouts a hearty “God bless you,” and wishes my sister and me a good day at school. Although I have only known him for a month, and I still don’t even know his name, he is a big part of my morning routine. There is something about his character that is admirable; he is trying so hard to work again, to be a part of something again. How he is able to maintain such a friendly disposition when most cars speed by him must be difficult, but he does it. Even in the rain! One day last month it was raining very hard on our way to school. I was certain that I wasn’t going to see the paperman as the weather was too harsh. However, when we arrived at the usual spot, I saw him standing alone in the cold rain wearing a long, blue raincoat, his newspapers bundled in plastic wrap, and his everlasting smile still beaming broadly. The fact that he was trying to sell his papers in the pouring rain meant a lot to me. This expressed to me the man’s fierce determination and perseverance to maintain his commitment. I admire his character. He was not going to let the rain prevent him from reaching his goals, or dampen his spirit.

Therefore, faith, a cheerful attitude, and perseverance are valuable elements of our character. Without these traits, we would not believe in our ability to carry out even small tasks when times seem difficult. With faith and perseverance, we carry out our daily duties and keep our promises, while maintaining a cheerful attitude. Faith strengthens our character; we can place our trust in God and rely on Him to help us through the toughest trials. A trusting and faithful heart is reflected in the cheerful actions of both my grandpa and the newspaperman. They kept their word. Indeed, they are great men of character.

Seattle Story: A Memoir of One Good Pig by Tri Le

Character Matters Essay Contest, 2^nd Place, Middle School Division

I don’t remember much of my past. The parts I do remember are because they really stick out to me, mean something to me. Like the time I was in Seattle. I think I was about 7 or 8 at that time. When I remember it, I relive some funny, good moments my family and I had, like seagulls pooping on my sister, or that amazing king’s crab dish I had. Then there are the sadder, more serious, mellow parts.

My sister always called me a pig. I ate tons of food, and for some unfathomable reason, could gulp down 4 dishes while my sister was still slowly finishing her second. Buffets were my favorite. I would consume 2-3 dishes full to the top and keep going like it was a race or something. I don’t know how I could keep eating. Maybe it was because I needed that stuff to grow, but I think it was because I just loved food. “Always room for good food,” I’d say, and swallow a chocolate opera cake, while my sister looked at me, disgusted. I didn’t really think a lot about how much I ate, or anything else, for that matter, until I met that homeless person.

Of course, I had been at a restaurant. Not too shabby, but not too fancy either. Didn’t really matter though, because I was hungry and the food tasted good. As usual, I kept ordering and ordering food until I felt that my stomach would explode and as usual, my sister was disgusted by the amount of food I could eat. She kept asking my mom why she let me buy and eat so much food. My mom was on my side, however. She would just smile and say,” A growing boy needs to eat,” then affectionately pat my head. There I was, full to the top, belly bulging like a hot air balloon and slouching on the comfy couch-like seat. But I had ordered too much. A last dish of nice, steaming hot calamari came out before me, and it took all that I had to say,” To-go.” I was rather happy as I walked outdoors with my family, one hand carrying a plastic bag to eat later, and the other hand rubbing my stomach, trying to calm the aching. It was a typical Seattle day, cloudy but not gloomy. The street was bustling with cars, and the occasional couple passed us on the sidewalk. I vaguely recall that everyone seemed happy. But that’s when I saw him.

It was a dark huddled figure on the gray sidewalk that stuck up from it like a big rock would from the ground. The people passing by, I noticed, seemed to be moving around him in a hurry, as if he had the plague. Well, maybe not that, but they were definitely avoiding him. Our parked car was ahead of us but so was he. As I walked forward, I could see…his ragged clothes, shirt too small and his pants too big…an unclean beard that could use a shaving…a dark piece of cloth around him that was too small to be a blanket, but was probably what he used it for…and I guess he had this aura of…dirtiness. His back was against a wall of the building on the left side and in one of his hands was a small cardboard sign. I don’t remember what it had said, maybe something about God, or asking for money, or something about his hardships. But it was his eyes that really got to me. Whether they were blue, brown, gray or black, that didn’t matter. All I had seen were a pair of sad, tired eyes that seemed like they wanted something better.

I saw all of this as I walked by him. Looking back, I can’t believe I didn’t help him right then and there. But then again, I was sort of young and he looked scary. I was feeling sad while I walked past him, and towards the car. I didn’t know why I was sad at that time. Later I realized it was because no one was helping him. No one was going to even try to make his life better. Just as I was about to get into the car, I paused and looked back. There was the old man, still hunched up there, with people still walking around him like they would a big puddle. I had decided what I would do already. I ran back, slowing down as I got nearer to him. His head was bent, looking down at people’s feet walking past him. “ Excuse me,” I whispered. The old man’s head turned towards my feet, then looked up at me. This time, I got a good look at his face. It could have been anyone else’s, just less clean, thinner, and sadder. I awkwardly held out my to-go bag. You should have seen his face. It lit up like a light bulb. His gaunt, gray cheeks turned a rosy color, and his dark soulless eyes suddenly had life in them. He smiled widely, revealing his yellow, crooked uneven teeth that had gaps in between. For a brief second, I could see him as a person. Well, you know what I mean. I could see him not poor anymore, having a steady job, clean-shaven, well-dressed. His smile was one of the most beautiful things I ever saw. Actually, it was nasty and gross, but it made me see how much it meant to him, and that made me feel like I was on top of the world.

He extended his left hand and gently took the bag from my hand. I ran back to my mom and sister. As I left, I could hear him say something. I imagined it was something like “God bless you, child” or maybe it was just a simple “Thank you.” Anyways, when I got back to the car, I was as giddy as a spring pig. I can’t explain it that much, but I just had this wonderful feeling of helping someone that made me jump for joy all around.

My sister had always said I was a pig. She was right. Every time I saw a chance to help someone else from then on, I tried to do just that before that window of opportunity closed. But like they say, every time God closes a window, he opens a door. Or at least I think that’s what they say. But what I mean is that there’s always another opportunity for me to help someone.Sometimes I think back to that homeless person, and wonder what he did after I gave him food. And I sometimes I exaggerate too, what that simple dish of calamari did for him. Maybe it gave him the energy to ask for hiring companies and landed him a job. Maybe not. But like Leo Buscaglia said,” Too often do we underestimate…the smallest acts of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” I got that one from a book.

I don’t remember much of my past unless it has these really good moments that mean something to me. Well…maybe I can remember more if I create really good moments.

True Beauty by Lisa Vo

Character Matters Essay Contest, 3^rd Place, Middle School Division

To be beautiful, but supercilious, is nothing. To be intelligent, but disdainful, is nothing. To be talented, but rapacious, is also nothing. But to be a person of meritorious character, even if lacking beauty, intelligence, or talent, is everything. In life, you have two choices -the choice to do what is right and the choice to do the contrary. A person of character not only does what is right in the presence of others, but also does what is right in the absence of others. The greatest people in this world are not measured by their success, but rather by their values. We are all delivered into this world with nothing. It is what we do in life that determines whether we still have nothing, or, in fact, everything, when we are delivered out of this world.

It is quite a lucky thing to be a person born of superior beauty. However, if beauty is all you have, then what use is it? If your looks have you holding your chin up higher than your eyes, then you better be careful not to trip over your own pride. In a world revolved around material things, we must strain to keep our hearts right. By practicing good character, we are earning ourselves a lifetime of happiness. We cannot always count on things that we think will always be there. And we must never take anything for granted. Even after your looks have faded into the darkness of time and the grays of your past days, your inner beauty will forever and always be shining. Take the time to acquire that inner beauty. Become a benevolent, altruistic person to ensure that even after your money and appearance have dwindled, your family and friends will not have faded with them. Money cannot buy happiness, except for the little snippets of spurious joys that disappear as quickly as they come. Be a virtuous and kind human being, and happiness will come naturally. Show the world that you are capable of repaying back the life it has given you. Take what you are blessed with and turn it into something greater.

Even a lifetime of education cannot amount to the importance of one’s character. What is the point of attaining years and years of education, and in the end not making any use of it? Why flush it all down the toilet when you can turn that education into something that can benefit this world? So many people take school for granted these days, unaware that there are poor children in Africa and Asia who can’t even dream of going to school. Never take anything or anyone for granted. Embrace your life and all the gifts that come with it. Get somewhere in this world -not only through education, but through the uses of all the six pillars of character, and even beyond that. Look at all the great figures in history. Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., the Wright brothers, and Michael Jackson are just a few to name. These people did not get to where they did with just their intellect or their talents alone. They did it with perseverance and good character. They showed the world that life is not about pushing your way into success, but parting the crowd through justice, responsibility, respect towards others, and magnanimity. However, talent and brain is not always everything. I have met many magnificent people in my life who have not been blessed with a proper education, nor have they any notable talents, yet they are both inspiring and admirable because they shine from within where great character is embedded into their hearts. They earned love and admiration from others through their actions, not talents.

The day we learn how to live and love without hatred, jealousy, lies, and greed will be the day happiness arrives and stays in this world. Prove yourself trustworthy, be respectful to others, take responsibility for your actions, treat everyone fairly, help others in need, and practice civic virtues. Nothing else in this world is more important than good character. No amount of money, looks, intelligence, or talent will earn you happiness alone. Bring happiness to others, and others will bring happiness to you. Live, love, and forgive. “Make footprints worth following.” And always remember...character matters! May your true beauty shine through!

Changing Hearts by Rebecca Hammock

Character Matters Essay Contest, 1^st Place, High School Division

Among most high school generations, there is a constant theme of wanting to “be the change”. The message is spread through public figures, administrators, and students all over the country. While wanting to “be the change” is all well and good, there is a much deeper foundation that must be addressed before change can actually take place in a person. That foundation is character.

The term “character” encompasses so many things: from integrity, to responsibility, to citizenship. Character is who we are when no one’s watching. It is the personal values and goals we make for ourselves and reflect in our actions. Character is leading by the example of our ways, and not simply our words.

My mom exemplifies the value of integrity to me more than anyone else. Integrity is about honesty and a respect for fairness, and about wanting to do the right thing, even when it may not be the easiest decision. Several years ago when all my siblings were still very young, my mom took us to the market to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Since she had waited until the day before Thanksgiving, she was forced to buy an expensive fresh turkey, as there was not enough time to defrost the cheaper frozen turkey which was more within her budget. When she returned home and looked at the receipt, she noticed that she had been charged for a much smaller turkey. The cashier did not enter the proper dollar amount per pound for the expensive fresh turkey that she had bought. Instead of celebrating the mistake that gave her several more dollars, she immediately packed up all five of us again, and returned to the busy store with the money that she owed. She knew she would not feel right if she hadn’t paid the correct price. No one forced her to go back; her integrity helped her recognize what the right thing to do was, so she did it. The manager was so happy that she had returned to the store that he presented her with a free bouquet of flowers and thanked her for what she had done. I remember the flowers that graced our table that Thanksgiving, still a symbolic reminder to me of the importance of integrity and character.

I try to apply my mother’s example of integrity to my own life as well. Last year, I noticed that my English teacher had marked three of my answers on a quiz as “correct”, when, in fact, I had answered them wrong. I felt unsettled about taking the higher grade, so I explained the problem to my teacher. Because of my honesty, she gave me the higher grade that I had originally received. She thanked me for coming to her about it.

People appreciate integrity, which is why my teacher and the manager of the grocery store felt compelled to offer a reward. It is so easy to choose to “let things go” and let integrity take the backseat so you can get what you want, but it is so important not to. Actions that reflect integrity make a person seem trustworthy, and it draws others in. People want to be with people whom they trust. Gaining trust is difficult, but maintaining integrity is a sure way to get it.

My grandfather is the greatest example of a responsible person that I have ever known. Though he is eighty-three years old and has several health problems, he insists on taking care of my grandmother, who suffers from dementia. The wedding vows they made more than fifty years ago meant something to him, they were not just repeated words spoken in front a crowd of friends. His wedding vows were promises made in front of friends, God, family, and his future bride, my grandmother. He vowed to be there for her “in sickness and in health” and knows that it is his responsibility to keep this vow. Taking care of her is often tiring and frustrating, but he does it every day, offering up his own suffering in union with God. My grandfather constantly tells my grandmother that he loves her, repeating it several times so that she is sure to remember. She always smiles and repeats, “I love you.” My grandpa’s strength of character is sure to have made a difference in my grandmother’s life. Even though she cannot recall his name, she feels his love. This is the epitome of true character; to serve and love unconditionally those who need help. He is “the change” needed in our society but that is because his foundation, his character, is well formed. His heart and mind have been strengthened and formed by serving others, rather than focused on tending to his own desires.

Though I do not have quite the task that my grandfather does in my own life, I still try to pattern my own actions after his. I take my responsibility as an older sister, seriously. By caring for my younger siblings, they feel loved. When I babysit them, I check that they complete their homework, are fed and bathed, and go to bed at the proper time. Showing responsibility for the safety of others actively demonstrates that you care for them and love them. Often, it is the members in our own family who we ignore or treat unkindly. Yet, if we start by serving our own family, our foundation gets strengthened and we will be able and willing to recognize those within our own community who also need help.

Citizenship, in addition to responsibility and integrity, is an important trait that should come to mind when character is discussed. It is the idea of being present and active in the community, being conscious of the laws and regulations, and helping the less fortunate. It is largely about service to the community. After helping one’s family, this is the next step to “be the change”. Recognize the quiet, helpless within our family and community, and then start loving them through actions.

Many believe that “be the change” is about forcing others into action. However, change cannot happen overnight. Forcing others to comply with “be the change” smacks of selfish behavior, as it seems devoid of true depth of purpose. A person with character leads by example, without calling attention to himself. Citizenship is important, and small steps in humble service to others will lead to a stronger character and more active participation in the future.

Thus, the only real way to “be the change” is by changing hearts in the community. I have learned the value of giving time to others, and spending less time on myself. If hearts are not changed, and there are no modifications in spirit, then things will largely stay the same. This is why a real change of heart is important. As human beings, we are inherently good. We want to be the best we can, and we want to help others. However, we often find excuses not to do so. Whether it is time, work, money, or something else, there is always an obstacle in the way of us and change.

By taking an active role in our own family and community, we will be able to show others how to change, and one by one, hearts will be transformed. It is more than just “being the change” in high school. Only by helping others, can we really be transformed ourselves. Integrity, responsibility and citizenship must be exemplified through my own actions before I will be seen as a positive role model, and as one that has the ability to change the hearts of others. If hearts are changed, character is built, and love takes over the spirit of a community.