Character

Character is the quality which distinguishes one person from another. It creates for each of us our individuality, our goodness. No one can respect themselves, or hope to earn the respect of others, without good character. It is this force of character that guides us through life and, once developed, grows steadily within us. Character is a quality to be achieved and cannot be received. It is the product of all of our daily actions, always trying to make the right choices, whether in a group or by ourselves. The problem with character is the problem of self-control and making choices. It is a principle that is measured by how you choose to live your life.

By demonstrating qualities such as reliability, honesty, respect for others, and sincerity, we prove by our own example that we value character. People notice how we treat others—our classmates, our teachers, our families, our friends—and this reflects our true character. We can take pride in our scholarship, leadership and service only when they are carried out with good character. Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying, “Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike.”