Virtuous Gratitude

"We are hardly ever grateful for a fine clock or watch when it goes right, and we pay attention to it only when it falters, for then we are caught by surprise. It ought to be the other way about." - Philip Dormer Stanhope Chesterfield, 4th Earl

Born and raised in Detroit since 1992, I have grown to see the many changes that has occurred since my return from living in Kalamazoo. The schools I attended have been abandoned or demolished, leaving only memories and rubble. The local playgrounds, stores, and churches, have been left behind to deteriorate as well. Employment opportunities are limited, and funds to support those in need are restricted. Our community has suffered greatly from the economic recession, and has allowed the very roots of positive foundations that stem the successful paths of great individuals to deteriorate and wither away. However, these foundations can be re-established if the actions by the people can flourish with gratitude and appreciation in order to rebuild our community, and it's resources. For some, it may be school, church, work, or even after-school programs that has helped others grow and develop into positive individuals, whose actions are influenced by their gratitude. My gratitude stems from resourceful and rewarding foundations such as my family, work experience, and Youthville. The economy's unpredictable ups and downs proclaim in our bittersweet memories, the encouragement, discipline, and support, that my family values. My parents were never perfect, but they did their best in their acts of discipline by helping me develop a good conscience and a strong intuition. The encouragement that accompanied the development of my self-conscious has helped me overcome many obstacles in my departure, and my return. The unconditional love and support from my family has only made me grateful, and humble in my accomplishments. These family values has helped me become interdependent, as I balance work and school in an effort to build a life of my own. In my work experience so far, I have acquired a broad network of resources, a strong variety of skills, and a good work ethic that has expanded my career options. Without the network of resources, I would have had difficulty in overcoming the challenges I encountered in Kalamazoo. In these encounters, I acquired and developed a variety of skills that granted me work wherever I resided, and my work experience has created a variety of career choices for me to choose from. My family values and accomplishments in my work ethic has helped me become a well-rounded person, so that I can be successful in everything I do. Such characteristics within the community can benefit others so that as we grow and develop, we have more to offer to others, and can give back to the community. Youthville's programs allowed me to use my talents that helped me grow into a well-rounded person, and with interest from the community, I have been able to express my creativity. Dance in its variety of forms has influenced me in such a way, I find great comfort in expressing who I am, and found that this talent has helped me cope in many trials and tribulations so far. Spoken word has encouraged me to be open-minded in my experiences, allowing me to develop a mind of intelligence, and wisdom. Art presented my creativity, which has suited me well in dance, poetry, and work. My talents has molded me in a such a positive way, that without them, I could not express my appreciation for the many things in life that I am grateful for. My family, work, and talents has taught me to be humble in my success, grateful for what I have, and determined to set an example for others my age and younger. Such positive influence is key to building strong individuals that will be more willing to support and give back to their community. In expressing appreciation and gratitude for the positivity influenced by the foundations that provided opportunities to grow and develop, we can encourage the ideals of productivity, and sustainability to reconstruct and strengthen the resources necessary to rebuild our community.