Values

Growing up I was presented with a certain set of values and morals by my family, friends, and teachers.  From my family I learned what it takes to be apart of something.  For a family to function and to work, everyone has to have a place in it and feel apart of something bigger than themselves.  I learned to love and respect my family for putting up with me, the good and the bad.  I learned the basic stuff from my family, like respect your elders and help out your family members whenever possible.  Family values are the first that really affect how you behave as an individual.  One big thing my family instilled in me was treat others how you would want to be treated.  That is one value that has stuck with me all these years. 

Friendship has also had a lasting impact on my values.  Friendship has taught me commitment and trust.  So many times growing up, I would look to my friends for support and guidance and sometimes just a good laugh.  Friends would come and go, but there would always be those few people that you would always remember.  Looking back and reflecting on our friendships is a good way to learn about ourselves as people.

In regards to teachers and instructors and coaches, I think the main value I learned from them is to never give up.  Growing up I always was told that I could do whatever I wanted with my life as long as I worked hard for it and was dedication.  Hard work and dedication are two values that I hold very dearly.  I've had to work for everything I have.  Right now in college I balance 35 hours of work a week at wendy's and the union, a 3.4 cumulative GPA, and all the work I put in for my fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha.  Some people look at me and ask how I do it and why I do it.  I look back and tell them it's all about priorities, being responsible, paying your car bill, insurance, cell bill, and rent, going to class and getting your work done and being proactive with the people around you.  The only way I see myself getting through all of this is hard work and dedication.  Goalsetting is important to me and Staying the course and persevering through all of the bad things to get to the better, to get to my goal, to reach my degree, is why I do and believe what I do.  To me, they are the two most important values I have learned thus far. 
This short video gives a story of a young man who lives by the same values of hard work and dedication and determination that I do  By working hard and staying dedicated, it allows me to be responsible and trustworthy and all the things I want to be as a person, as a friend, as a brother, and as a son.  My values are important to me, and when I have kids I'll try to teach them the same concepts and make them better men and women than I could have dreamt of being.

A quote that I try to live by and also goes along with my values comes from Ben Franklin.  It is as follows, "Energy and Persistence conquer all things."  That one small quote means a lot to me,  and I think if more people read it, it would mean something to them as well. 

Respect women and your elders, help people less fortunate than yourself, be the difference in someones life around you.  These are just a few more "values of mine".

A good quote by Harriet Tubman that goes along with last week is "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."  I looked at this and immedicately though of last week and changing the world.

Concludes Values Blog!  wooh, a lot of typing