My father taught me about ethics and morals when I was very
young. He shared his own views of right and wrong, and I found myself modeling
my own values after his, from sheer respect. I believe the first time I was
actually put to the test in regards to my values was in kindergarten, when a
close friend of mine was being bullied. I stood up for him, which led to a
fight… I ended up getting in trouble for sticking up for someone else, and it
didn’t bother me, because I knew I did the right thing, and my father was on my
side! I learned that if you do what is right in your own mind, then the
consequences don’t matter, because you will be at peace on the inside. My sense of honor was an impossibly important
in aiding my growth into who I am today, and what I think is important.
I like
the fact that my friends and I have similar moral views. It allows us to get
along easier, and we can agree on most controversial social issues, which I think
is great. For instance, we share common belief in valuing each other, and
protecting each other, that everyone is important, no matter the circumstances,
that honesty is important, but there are situations in which a lie is more
appropriate. There are, however, rare instances in which we have a
disagreement, like in regards of personal preference of interests. When these
happen, I simply sit back, and listen to them. I don’t interrupt, and when it
comes time to air my own thoughts, I do so in a calm, level manner. I think
this method is most effective, because nobody feels accused of something, so
everyone remains calm and open.
With my
parents, we all share extremely similar thoughts, values, and morals. However,
the difference comes when it is time to practice or voice these. I try to
remain calm, and simply explain my side while taking into account what the
other person believes. This is my preferred method. My father, however, more
typically tries to get the other person to see that he’s right, in a calm
fashion. It usually works, because he believes in very understandable things.
My mother aggressively tries to convince the opposition that they are wrong,
which is definitely not the way to go. That method simply makes you appear to
be a prideful person who is unwilling to acknowledge another point of view.
Generally
speaking, I have been able to uphold my own personal values very well, and I am
proud of myself for it. I know that there will soon be a time in which my
conviction will be truly tested, but it has not yet come for me, and I am
prepared for it. The closest I’ve ever come to testing my convictions is when
religion is broached. It takes willpower to not blurt out whatever I’m
thinking, even though it might directly contradict what the other person
believes. These religious “debates” often times let you see how a person talks
to another and how they express their viewpoints. Lucky for me, I have always
been able to keep a level head in these conversations, being able to voice my
opinion without stepping on any toes.
Seeing
the road that I have already walked, and looking forward to the future, I know
for a fact that I’ve done a great deal of maturing in my life, but as long as
there is another day ahead of me, I will continue to grow. I have developed
significantly in just the short time I’ve been in high school, from freshman to
senior year. I’ve learned to cherish what I have, and to let go of the small
things that slow me down. I know there is one or two areas in which I need to
grow, and that is sticking up for myself. I have always been there to defend a
friend, but I recognize that I should protect myself as well. This is why I don’t
think I should be a model of integrity, nor should anyone, because if we look
at others to become inspired to become better people, then our individuality
will suffer. It is better that we look to ourselves to see that we should
become better people.
