Laws of Life Essays Part 2

Published:  Saturday, February 16, 2008 (2 months, 3 weeks ago)
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Ten two-letter words to live by

By Brooke Apple
Jefferson senior

I woke up the first day of my high school career and wondered what I could do during that year to make teachers, community members, and other students know who I was? As I sat in my room thinking about what that could be, I remembered ten two-letter words to live by that my mom had displayed in her office. If It Is To Be, It Is Up To Me. That made me think; if I was going to be noticed, then I needed to be involved in projects and organizations and possibly even starting something new.
A couple months later, the perfect idea hit me when I attended a Relay for Life meeting and they said they would love to have more high-school-aged kids involved with the Relay. The next day at school I decided to ask my friends if they would like to get a team around just to have some fun and raise some money. I ended up with a team, which earned the honor of being a silver team raising over two thousand, five hundred dollars. Little did I know that this endeavor would include being a part of the planning committee for a hundred thousand dollar event. This project was just one of the many that I used the motto If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me the whole way through.
The next school year, I was approached by the head of a youth basketball league that was getting started and needed some coaches for some little girls. I went home and talked it over with my friends and decided once again If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me. I contacted the director and told him I would be glad to coach a team and teach them what I know about basketball. During that season, I had some girls who had schedule conflicts and just really did not want to play in the actual games; once again it came down to If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me because I had to decide what to do and try to work things out as much as possible.
Another instance of using If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me was this past summer when my church needed a preschool teacher for Day Camp. I was asked if I could do it. At first I was hesitant; I had helped with Day Camp and helped with preschool Sunday school, but to take this on and plan my own lessons was another thing. As I thought it over those ten two-letter words to live by came to mind, and I knew I could do it.
Over my four years of high school, I have been faced with many things that either I do not like what is going on with them or things that I have felt needed to be added to our school or community. Instead of going around and complaining to my friends about them, I decided to use those ten two-letter words and just go to someone that could actually do something about it. I really think having the motto of If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me is great for me because if something is meant to be done, someone has to be willing to step up and do it. Often, I found that I was that person.
If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me has been my slogan all through high school because any time I have an idea, I think of whom I should bring it up to that would continue the idea and make it happen. Sometimes I do feel as if I take the slogan a little too far in that I have a hard time delegating someone else to do something because I am afraid it will not get done if I do not do it. I am a very independent person, and there are times that I feel as if nothing is getting done that should be.
Throughout high school I had many situations come up that I needed to step up and get accomplished. I have tried to establish the attitude that I can, and often others now ask me to take on projects they want done. I feel that by using the ten two-letter words to live by, If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me, I have indeed set myself apart from others and learned a great deal about myself and the importance of taking charge of my life. I plan to continue this quest as I take the next steps — college, career, family, and whatever else comes my direction, feeling that I can succeed because I understand that If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me.

Guardian angel

By Lindsay Grothouse
St. John’s sophomore

A few days ago while you were lying in bed, you said you needed to meet someone. You had a meeting somewhere and had to go.
Today, it was hot in that back room. Your oxygen was on. You were suffering, we all knew. Your body, so thin, didn’t even look like you. Your legs, as thin as my arms, and your arms thinner than mine.  Your hands were always cold, this is the first time I ever touched them when they were warm. You used to say it hurt when we would rub them, now, no words are spoken.  Nurses say it’ll be twenty-four hours, almost everyone’s home. You lay there on your bed. I used to lay there with you when you were feeling better. You’d always say a couple jokes, or talk to me about the past, the future, or just about anything. But now your eyes are open, looking into space. You say nothing. Your pulse is getting weaker.
I was sitting at your kitchen table where you and I would always play cards, color, or just talk. They call us into your room. We saw a tear run down  your face. It’s time to say goodbye. We stand around your bed, holding hands, now tears run down ours. “Hail Mary, full of grace…” You try so hard to breathe, to stay with us. Grandma lies next to you and says “It’s okay, I’ll be fine. We love you. I love you.” And a moment later you were walking up those stairs to those pearly gates. I bet they gave you wings. I bet you talked to Jesus about all of us. You’re an angel now.
I hope you can read this letter somehow. This letter is a thank you. A thank you for all the laws of life you have taught me. You have made my life so special. You taught me so much. You taught me to be strong, even when it is hard to be. You were strong when you accepted your death, you told us all that it wouldn’t be long. But just like you, you never stopped smiling. It’s just like you knew it was all going to be okay. Like you knew exactly what was about to happen, and you wanted everyone else to be strong with you. You were that kind of man. You were strong, and never gave up. To me, that’s a hero. You’re my hero.
Grandpa, you were a fighter. I want to thank you for fighting for our country, in the Korean War. You were injured, and received a “Purple Heart”. You battled from war to cancer. I don’t know how you fought for so long. Everyone hated to see you suffer the way you did. But you held on. You were suffering and we were all suffering with you. I only had one Grandpa my whole life, I never got to meet my other one. I heard he fought with the same exact thing as you did. I bet you’re talking to him right now. I never did want to lose  you, but I’m so happy you are in such a better place then all of us. You were one man who was truly happy to be alive, and to live life. You lived life to the fullest. And you taught each one of us exactly how to do that.
You were a believer, Grandpa. I believe in everything  you believe. I believe in Jesus. I believe in God. I believe in Heaven. And I know you are right there, right now. I believe in angels, I believe they have wings. I believe you’re down here watching over each and every one of us. You’d always pray. Grandma told  you to pray in heaven for all of us. If I know you well enough, I know you will. You always wanted the best for us kids. You always wanted us to believe we could do anything. You made me believe that. I know exactly what kind of person I want to be, because of you.
It hasn’t gotten through to me that you’re gone. Because to me, your still here. Every little memory will never be forgotten.  You’ll always be in my heart, and you’ll always be on my mind, now and for the rest of my life. I want you to be there for everything I do in my life. I know you will, you’ll have a better seat than anyone else. I want to thank you for truly showing me the way life is supposed to be. I know you’re out there, and I know you’ll show us that you are. I hope to see you again someday. Thank you for being the best grandpa any grand-daughter could ever ask for. I miss you. I love you.

Laws of Life

by Drew Hilvers
St. John’s senior

Imagine a perfect world where everyone held the same values and principles. A place where everyone knew how to live right and followed those perfect rules. I am sorry to say that this is not our world today. Our world is full of individuals with different beliefs on how people should live. For me, because of my own beliefs, I have some ideas on how I think a person should live. Whether right or wrong, one has to look at what is important to them. When I look deep in my soul, I can find four main ideals that I feel are needed as my guideline. I try to live by honesty, courage, perseverance, and lastly faith.
Honestly, what is honesty? Well, you can think of it as not lying, but it is much more than that to me. To me, it is telling the truth, even when not confronted. That can be a difficult choice, especially if the consequences are not in your favor. Also, if you know something about a situation, you need to come forward, no matter what the punishment could be. If you don’t, that is as bad as lying. Like my parents have always told me, “honesty is the best policy,” and there is no other alternative. Lying can lead to nothing but more lying and you can suddenly find yourself in a web of deceit that leads no where.
My next ideal is courage. Individual courage to me is having the strength to stand up for what is right, and for what I believe in. Through my Christian education, I have learned the history of people being persecuted for their religious beliefs. Now, if those people have the courage to lose their life for what they believe in, then why shouldn’t all of us do the same. If you are courageous, you will also help others in need. I would never be afraid to help a kid who was getting bullied, or someone who is being treated unfairly. Courage is the power to stand up for what is right. It also takes courage to go against the normal peer pressure that teenagers today face every day. It also takes courage to admit when we have made a mistake and face whatever punishment that comes along because of our actions. Hopefully, the lessons that we learn on our way to becoming adults will be the foundation of the people we will be as we enter the adult world.
Next on my list is perseverance. It is the power and the grit to never give up no matter how hard our decisions are to make, or how hard our choices are. Perseverance is a humble virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success. Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you have already done. It has a magical effect that makes difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. It is the ability to work for that inch after inch, so that when you put all those inches together you will see the difference from failing and succeeding. So often, we face situations that will burn us out, or break us down. To give up is an easy answer, but to persevere and then get over the hump, can be an all time high.
Now faith, that is the glue that holds all of my ideals together. Whether it is faith in myself, faith in my parents, my family, or my religion, it all comes back to the same core. It is I, as a person that can either follow my ideals, or get sidelined along the road to adulthood. I try so hard, but like all of us in this world, there are times when I falter, or slip and fall flat on my face. It is at these times that I stop, and go back to the beginning. I call on my support lines of faith. My belief in myself, the belief and love that my parents and my family have in me, and the personal strength I get from prayer, and knowing that no matter how bad I can slip up, that Jesus Christ always forgives. He is always with us on that path.
In short, these are the laws of my life. I believe a person should find their own ideals to live by, and try their hardest to stick to the right path to follow them.

Terrific

By Courtnie Rostorfer
Jefferson sophomore

Everyone knows what terrific means and has used that word many times in describing what a great time they had at a game, or at Cedar Point, or doing whatever  created that special moment for them. It could also be used to describe a horrible storm or something like that. The point is terrific is equated to something in the excess.
Using each of the letters, I would like to explain how I use the word terrific to spell out my Laws of Life.
T in the Laws of Life would be trustworthiness. People earn trust by being loyal to themselves, their family and  friends, and to their country. Letting other people see that they can depend on you builds trustworthiness.
E would stand for example. I want to always be the best I can be and do my best whether it is in academics, or sports, or at my job because you never know who is watching you and picking up on what you do and say. So, I always want to be a good example. My Mom, Dad, and my sisters have all been great role models, leading through examples such as volunteering, attending church, being a leader instead of always a follower. I regularly volunteer at The Thrift Shop, and I hope other people see this as an example to give freely of their time to help others, too.
R has several possibilities, but I’m listing responsible for this first “R”. We should do what we said we’d do, and be responsible or accountable for our choices. Strive to do the right thing so you won’t have any regrets. Remember, though, you can learn responsibility by learning from your mistakes along the way.
R The other “R” that is as equally important as responsible is respect. Respect is something that is earned and you have to give it to get it. When you trust others with dignity and are kind and considerate to them, you will earn their respect, and I have been taught to always respect my elders, family, friends and authorities. Religion is another important “R”. It doesn’t matter what religion you are, it’s your faith and belief in God that matters. Also, doing what is morally right is yet another important “R” in my Laws of Life.
I stands for integrity. Be honest, sincere and have solid, moral principles. Also, “I” stands for independent. Don’t let others influence your decisions. Be free, confident, and intelligent enough to make your own decisions.
F means being fair to everyone. Share, listen, play by the rules, and don’t take advantage of anyone, and you’ll be treated  fairly in return. It stands for faith, too. I serve God by singing in the church choir, doing readings, and serving mass.
I Intelligent and imaginative also come to mind for the letter “I”. Education is key to success, so continually strive for a higher level of intelligence. Our world continues to progress through peoples’ imaginations. Dream it, and create it!
C stands for caring, compassion, and also citizenship. Showing kindness to someone is something they won’t soon forget. Showing compassion or sorrow for those who are suffering is something we should all work on every day, along with citizenship. Voting, being a good neighbor, working to protect our environment, getting involved in community projects, and respecting authority all will help make our school and community better.
If we all practice these simple “Laws of Life” and pass them on to each generation, I think this will be a pretty awesome, I mean, “TERRIFIC” world to live in.

Laws of Life

by Meghan Obermeyer
St. John’s senior

I am standing in front of an orchestra, composed of exotic instruments of all types. I raise my arms to signal we are about to begin. Then, with the flick of my white glove covered wrist, the orchestra is off. Each musician is working their instrument in perfect harmony together with one another. My direction leads them into a beautiful melody filled with flowing sounds and soothing notes. Each instrument adds a unique and important sound to help make up the beautiful music. This is similar to the way in which each of my values that I live by in my life act as instruments, combining to form the beautiful song of my life.
Honestly, the basis of all good relationships in my life, plays out through the melodic sound of the flute in the orchestra. Honesty is a value that is ever-present in my life. In music, without the flute, the song would be missing the high range of sound that is pertinent to help convey emotions, just as without honesty, relationships would be missing trust and the truth, rendering them useless and emotionless.
Another law I use to help guide my life is to be courageous in the face of hardships. I attempt to show courage in all that I do and never let fear paralyze me. The drums in the symphony play like courage, exalting a strong blow of percussion whenever it is needed. The blow of the drums is just like courage and how it kicks in whenever that extra little boost of self-assurance to help overcome an obstacle is needed.
The soft pluck of the violin makes a beautiful background sound in the symphony. This is very similar to love, which makes a beautiful background for the rest of life to play on. Love is the value that makes life meaningful and worth living to me. But, similar to the violin, as beautiful as it can sound, it takes much work and effort to keep it in tune. This is similar to the way that love is great, but requires much work to keep it growing. Without constant upkeep, both the violin and love would be out of tune and wouldn’t work how they are supposed to.
With all of these things working together, the beautiful tune of my life can be played out for all to hear. Just as each separate instrument has its own important job in making the song come out right, each law that I live by also has its important role in helping me do what is right. Like musicians follow the notes of music to make a beautiful sound, I follow my values to make a beautiful life.

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