Emma Morrison

My Values & Why I Chose Them

     The values I chose to include on my "circle of values" were: family, integrity, community, athletics, passion, education, leadership, optimism and organization. Each value represents an important part of my life and beliefs. These, however, are not my only values. I also value a number of other traits and ideas such as love, loyalty and growth. When I first started, my list consisted of more than twenty values, and then I narrowed down to the most important nine.
     I chose family because my family is the most important thing in my life. From the moment I was born they have been there for me and helped me grow and develop into the person I am today. I am thankful my parents and brother have been in my life and therefore I value having them around and I value their love.
     Having integrity is a strong belief that I have. If someone cheats or lies they lose my respect. Integrity is a key ingredient to success and happiness and leads to good things. I value integrity because without it, this world would not be a nice place.
     Ever since my grandfather passed away my value of community has been enhanced and confirmed. Seeing all those people support and help my family through a hard time made me appreciate our community. I am now constantly trying to give back to my community through service projects and volunteer opportunities. Another community that will always be there for me is my high school, Thornton Academy. My dad is a math teacher there so I've been roaming the halls since I was a little kid. Thornton means so much to me, which is why community is one of my values.
     Playing sports throughout my life has helped me develop into a better person. I value athletics because they resemble life. When I play basketball I have to lead the team, make quick decisions and also contribute and cooperate, just like in life. Athletics have helped to prepare me for the challenges I have and will face in life.
     For me, passion connects to athletics. My passions are mostly sports, such as basketball, lacrosse and surfing. Whenever I'm participating in one of these sports my mind is at ease and I can forget about all my problems.  I value this sense of relaxation because life can become hectic at times.
     Most kids claim they hate going to school. While I sporadically participated in this fad, I really do appreciate learning. Education can jumpstart dreams and carry you to achieving them. Living in America I have been lucky to receive such a good education and I value the learning I have done and will do.
     A good leader can influence an entire group both positively and negatively. The type of leadership I value is obviously the positive influence. I value both a good leader and becoming a good leader. If I can become a good leader, I can help others to achieve their goals and to help the community.
     I always try my best to keep a smile on my face. Being optimistic is important in life because sometimes life can be a drag and unless I look at the bright side of things my life won't ever progress. Optimism can completely change a scenario and can make situations better, which is why I value the "half glass full" outlook so much.
     While being organized isn't a big deal, I feel a whole lot better and more productive if everything is neat and I have a plan. Organization is a value that may not be necessary to everyone, but is necessary in my life. I can accomplish more if I'm organized and I value accomplishing more, therefore I value organization.
    I try to stay true to my values as much as I can. Sometimes, however, I slip up and forget to be a leader, or forget to smile. These incidents are things that I learn from and educate myself on. Having values is a mandatory key to being happy and achieving dreams.

Posted at 09:24PM Aug 20, 2008 by Emma Morrison in General  |  Comments[0]

Reflecting on Convocation

     Coming from a different culture, Da grew up with some values that we as Americans take for granted. In his speech at NC State's Wolfpack Welcome Week Convocation Festival, Da elaborated on a Chinese value that we view with the opposite opinion: weight. In his village as a child, the heaviest man was also the wealthiest because he could afford food.  In our lives we have been lied to over and over again that the only way to be happy is to be skinny. This blatant contradiction shows me how sometimes I may need to reevaluate my values. I should feel lucky and priveleged to have food on my plate at every meal. This also ties in with another point that Da made saying that we are the "princes and princesses of the world" because we were born into the right bellies. We have been provided with more than just the basic food, shelter and clothing. I need to step back from life and begin to appreciate all that I have.
     Da's value of weight and food also helps me to realize that I need to view cultures with an open mind. Just because someone has a different set of values and comes from a different location doesn't mean I should disregard them. Cultures are complex and are defined by their values. Cultural relativism may be hard to have but I should definitely make sure that whenever I observe a culture I look at the group without any prejudice or skepticism.
     The first thing Da did when he was introduced at Convocation Festival was narrate a story about his father and his bamboo flute. Da has kept a bamboo flute with him ever since that first day his father bought one for ten cents. This act is evidence of Da's appreciation for his father. At this point in my life, I can easily connect to appreciating my parents. Being at college I have begun to realize how much they really have done for me and how much I miss and love them. My parents have guided me these past eighteen years of my life and I wish that somehow they could be with me forever like with Da's flute.
     Another part of the speech that makes me think is Da's claim that life is like a river and a river isn't straight. This truth helps prepare me for the twists and turns my life will make. I may hit many obstacles in my journey, but I know that life doesn't stop and eventually I will pass over the bend and a new brighter horizon will be ahead.

Posted at 08:05AM Aug 20, 2008 by Emma Morrison in General  |  Comments[0]