One day as a naive child, I asked my parents, "If you are supposed to treat others the way you want to be treated, why is anyone ever mean?" Everyone I know had had the golden rule branded into their brains ever since they could hear, yet, as some got older, the branding had obviously faded. Even as a young girl this phrase stuck in my mind and ever since then I have tried to live through it.
Recently, I saw the benefits of treating others the way I would like to be treated. Throughout my work with the St. Ignatius Teen Service Group, Key Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, I have been able to help so many people in various ways. For me, it was never about getting credit. I've always wondered why we need to keep track of community service hours in high school because if you really care about the people you are affecting, you don't care about the credit on your end. As I was applying for colleges, I came across the teacher recommendation section and had to think of the people in my life that could describe my true character the best. I have been accepted to every single school that I have heard back from so far. I know I could never have said that without these people that have gotten to know me over the years. Being respectful and honest with the writers of my recommendation letters has allowed them to write respectively and honestly about me. If I had been rude to them, I know I would not have been given all of the opportunities that are popping up right in front of me.
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” -Unknown. After reading this quote on a poster at my school, I began to really think about it and realized how true and important it is. If you are always good to people; if you always respect and share with others, people will notice. You will make a lasting impression in their minds that will assist them in their decision of how to treat you.