Introduction
Many outstanding individuals have existed in America’s history whose achievements, deeds, and values continue to serve as an example for many today. Such individuals still exist today, continuing to contribute to the improvement of our country. However, not everyone who demonstrated positive values and engaged in citizenship became famous. Many are ordinary people, but their actions demonstrate fundamental American values and inspire people around them to follow their example. In every person’s environment, someone inspires with their views and deeds that demonstrate American values.
A Hall of Fame Nominee
I want to nominate to the Values and Service Hall of Fame an individual from my personal life, my mother’s friend Joan, who works as a teacher. She sometimes shares stories about her work and life that showcase her out-of-the-ordinary approach, dedication, and involvement in community activities. In addition, the work of a teacher is valuable and, at the same time, tricky since it requires many qualities from a person, such as empathy, self-control, diligence, and a desire to help children.
In pursuit of the public good, education must demonstrate its ability to benefit both individuals and society. Joan does everything she can to ensure that her work brings such benefits. She finds an individual approach to children and strives to create an interesting, comfortable, and safe environment where each can express themselves. To achieve this, she has to work hard and put in a lot of effort, but her enthusiasm ultimately pays off. Some aspects of nature determine abilities, but others, such as nurture, also influence this (Cdaniel, 2015). In the context of education, Joan does everything to help children succeed, not only through talent but also through work, effort, and motivation.
Joan sometimes talks about the support she gives her students to help them succeed. For example, in her class, there is a child with an autism spectrum disorder. To ensure he received an inclusive education, she changed the lighting in the classroom, as the lamps had previously created sensory overload for him. She also encouraged the use of cooler, calmer colors in the classroom to help create a more relaxing atmosphere for all students.
Joan actively participates in volunteer activities in several programs, one of which helps to feed children who do not have the opportunity to eat properly during the holidays. She talks about her experience and inspires many people around her to join in. Conscience is one of the main attributes that demonstrate American values. It is essential to listen to your conscience, even when everyone else has the opposite opinion (Maxwell, 2018). Even though social services and the state should pay more attention to and deal with this problem, Joan listens to her conscience and feels the need and desire to help these children.
As a result of such a busy and active life and beliefs, Joan never condemns other people who do not pay attention and effort to their work. An article by C. Daniel (2015) says that people need reason and logic to keep emotions under control. Not judging others for their actions or inactions can sometimes be difficult, but it is an essential attribute of an engaged citizen.
According to Davenport and Lloyd (2017), no term better represents the distinctiveness of America and its people than rugged individualism, a significant component of America’s DNA and a vital component of what makes America remarkable. Joan exemplifies the habit or concept of independence and self-reliance. It helps you stay independent and confident while helping others, inspiring, and making American society a better place for oneself.
Conclusion
To conclude, Joan is a simple person, not a celebrity or a politician, but her views and actions, in my opinion, reflect American Values. Through her example, she motivates others to work hard, be confident, and help those in need. To become an engaged citizen and contribute to society, it is not necessary to devote one’s life and time to this endeavor. Strong enough convictions, independence, and a desire to help others and do a good job can be a significant step towards a more developed, safe, and comfortable society throughout the country.
References
Cdaniel. (2015). Rooting for complicated heroes: It’s complicated. Santa Clara University School of Law.
Cdaniel. (2015). When in doubt—and there’s always doubt—be your best. Santa Clara University School of Law.
Davenport, D. & Lloyd, G. (2017). Rugged individualism: Two of the gravest threats to this distinctively American value: nanny states and helicopter parents. Hoover Digest.
Maxwell, A. (2018). How the moral lessons of To Kill a Mockingbird endure today. The Conversation.