The Importance of Character

Recently I had the honor of sitting through an awards ceremony for my daughter.  She was required to submit an essay as well as two other peoples essays about her character.  Out of almost 200 other applicants and seven different levels of review, she was chosen to be one of three winners for this academic year. 

It was one of the most uplifting two hours we have spent in a long time.  Everyone greeted us with such kindness and seemed genuinely excited to meet her and her family.  It was truly an evening to "honor" the recipients as well as a very proud parent moment.  Life is good.

Now, beyond the fact that my daughter was receiving this scholarship and award, I was impressed by the caliber of the organization sponsoring the award, other attendees and the speakers.  They spoke of the quality of a persons character and all the traits that contribute to a persons positive character.  One speaker sent out a challenge to everyone in the room to always ask "Am I making the wisest decision based on my previous experiences and where I want to be in the future?".  We were told that we are all leaders and even the most introverted person will touch the lives of another 100,000 people in their lifetime. Though we are not perfect, we should strive to be a person of good character because when we are gone from this earth, people won't remember what kind of car you drove, how many things you could buy or what kind of clothes you wore.  They will remember what kind of person you were and how you lived your life.  Others will remember that you were a person of good character, a person of virtue, determination, humility, truthfulness and perseverance. 

The components of good character is a long list and one that challenges us every day.  I wish that everyone made choices and lived their lives based on the quality of their character.  It would be wonderful if we were all judged based on our character today and not by the style of car we drove or the size of the house we lived in.  How we live our lives and treat those around us should be so much more important.  I am proud that all my children are young adults with great character and I am reminded that I too should strive everyday to be a model of great character for those around me.  What a wonderful world this would be if we all cared about character.