Character Counts!

In class we were introduced to Character Counts. It is a program that allows a teacher to form a greater bond with his/hers students by electing them to one of the six pillars. The pillars include Trustworthiness, Fairness, Caring, Citizenship, Responsibility, and Respect. Last year i was lucky enough to have received the award for Citizenship from my math teacher. It came to me as a surprise and was such a great honor to uphold. Not only was i recognized for helping other students in the class, but i also was thanked for all the hard work i put into her class by staying after school for help and doing peer tutoring.

In my own opinion i believe having respect is the most valuable of the six pillars. Not only respect for yourself but respect for your mentor. Your mentor did not choose you, you chose them, meaning they did not have to agree, and are now taking time out of their day to help you. If you choose to show no respect for your mentor or their profession it tells them that you don't care. They come everyday that you set up a meeting with them and give you their respect so all we can do is return the favor.

Have respect for your fellow classmates. They are doing what they love just as you are. This is a class where people can express themselves and not hide who they are or what they love to do. If we, as their peers do not respect that then there is no telling if the respect from them will be returned. Are work environment needs to have support from everyone and the only way we can gain support is through respect.

Lastly, respect for yourself is a huge factor when participating and getting involved in what you love to do. This is your change to show everyone what you've been wanting to do. I believe your passions are what drive you. If we hold back and do not allow others to see that side of us, how will we know if we have support or respect from them. That is why i feel respect is the most important pillar.