Coast Guard Core Values Essay

Peter Drucker once stated “Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.” This quote is a motto for my life, I am always looking to uplift people and help them better their selves. Joining the United States Coast Guard will aid me in becoming a better leader. Honor, respect, and devotion to duty are the core values of the United States Coast Guard. These three core values have been instilled in me from my upbringing. Without core values, I would not have accomplished many goals.
Honor is defined as a high respect for an individual or institution, or is defined as a privilege. I have displayed honor in my life in

numerous ways. Education is a privilege for all, and it is one thing that I have never overlooked. I understand the importance of education, and it has been displayed through the high school and college curriculum I took in high school. Completing college credits in high school was not an easy task, and it took a lot of hard work to excel.
Devotion to duty is another core value of the United States Coast Guard, and is a focal reason why I want to join the Coast Guard.

I have been devoted to every activity and job that I have partaken. Being a section leader in the marching band and being the captain of the cross country had a handful of challenges alone. To add on to the challenge both seasons occur during the same time. Many times I found myself working extra hard in cross-country practice just to make it to band practice. The role of being a captain meant that I not only had to work hard for myself, but to be a good example and motivate my teammates. As a captain and section leader I had the motto “We are only as strong as our weakest link.” I used this motto to motivate others on my team, and would never let anyone slack. All of these principles I was able to apply during my part time employment at Subway Restaurant and John’s Seafood as well. I was very devoted to my position as crew member and sandwich artist. My parents and supervisors received many compliments on my service from the customers and district managers of these establishments. Devotion to duty is one core value of the Coast Guard, and a value I strive to live and abide

by.
The motto for the United States Coast Guard is “Always Ready,” and I believe this is an essential motto to live by.

The motto “Always Ready” simply means that no matter the circumstances I will always be ready to take on the next task at hand. The responsibility to coach a little league basketball team is an example of me being “Always Ready.” In the position of coach, I had to know the skills the team needs to develop as well as the best position to place a player, rotation, in-game situations, and just knowledge about the sport I was coaching. Not only was I just a senior in high school, I maintained the number five and six place in my graduating class since my freshman year. I was also selected to attend the Pre-College program at Elizabeth City State University in the sixth grade because I was “Always Ready” to excel and assist others. I graduated from this program when I graduated from high school and I had many opportunities in this program that have assisted me in school, college, and in my life in general. I pride myself in all that I have been able to accomplish thus far in my life. I enjoy every opportunity I have been given and taken advantage of which equates to the Coast Guard’s motto “Always Ready”. These opportunities have proven that I am “Always

Ready.”
Winston-Salem State University offered high quality scholarships to me because, I was devoted to my education and duties, and that I was “Always Ready!” These scholarships have allowed me to network with other students, mentors, personalities, and afforded me opportunities that I otherwise may not had received.
The College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative is the perfect program for me. After researching the program I knew it would be the perfect fit. The CSPI program allows me to obtain a college education while simultaneously allowing me to serve in the United States Coast Guard. I am glad to have chosen such an elite branch of the military, and to have the opportunity to serve in the Coast Guard. Once in the Coast Guard, I aspire to be the best officer possible and better the individuals around me. Together we will uphold the elite name and brand of the United States Coast Guard. “ALWAYS READY!”