How Has Your Family Shaped Me Essay

“How has your family shaped who you are today?”

“Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” My family has taught me many important qualities in order to reach success. One thing I have always been taught is that you ultimately control you and the way you act upon every situation. Throughout my life, my parents have strived to teach me how to be successful in what I do. I don’t remember how old I was when my mom and dad first taught me the importance of being involved and being respectful. I guess it’s just something that I have grown up with.

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.” This quote has been the foundation that my parents have drilled into me since I was young. Through my involvement in dance, sports, 4-H, and school activities, I have learned that respect is one of the most important qualities to success. I am called to have respect for my peers and teammates when I participate in extracurricular

activities. The famous quote “There is no I in team” continues to prove its importance that respect links back to simply how you act around others. More times than not, if you have a crappy attitude and are not respecting others, you will not compete to the level you are capable of. To be successful not only in my sports, but for any extracurricular activities, it is important for me to go into the situation with a positive attitude and a respect for my peers, coaches, and advisors.
“I can do all things through christ who strengthens me.” It has been a blessing for me to grow up with the family I have. My parents have been the root for the person I am today. My faith continues to inspire me to complete the goals and dreams I have. Through my church, I have learned many skills. I have gotten to meet thousands of people on a trip I attended in November 2015. It was amazing to talk with many new people about the same beliefs and values. It showed me that even in the toughest times you always have your faith to fall back on. Volunteering and working with others helps me to continue to build up qualities for success. The more my eyes are opened up by goodness, the more I realize how blessed I am. I continuously try to work to open my eyes to the opinions and ideas of others.
Success to me isn’t the amount of stuff you own and where you live, it’s the way you treat others and how you’re going to reach your goals.

It isn’t what your family is like, but rather your own aspirations in life. This is what my family has ultimately taught me. My parents have taught me countless lessons in life. My brother repeatedly shows me what persistence is through his involvement in sports, even though he isn’t the biggest or strongest person. My sister inspired me at a very young age of what determination is. She was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes in 4th grade. To this day, she continues to thrive in what she does and doesn’t let that disease allow her to have an excuse for anything. “Surround yourself with people that believe in your dreams.” I owe my foundation to my family, who continues to teach me life's most important values and lessons. I am grateful to be surrounded by such great people with who I can celebrate life's

successes.