Personal Responsibility
Introduction
For people to be successful in college they have to understand what personal responsibility means to them. Personal responsibility may mean something different for each person, so it is important to take the time to conduct a self-assessment. An easy way to conduct a self-assessment is to define what personal responsibility means to you, evaluate how personal responsibility will affect your college success, and create a preliminary plan based on personal responsibility to achieve your goal. Ralph Waldo Emerson, a famous poet and essayist once said “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.” The following is a self-assessment I have conducted to better prepare me for college success.
Defining Personal Responsibility Personal responsibility is taking responsibility for our actions. We have a responsibility to ourselves, and those we care about. There comes a time in life when we have to decide what the right thing to do is, and reap the rewards of our decision or confront the consequences. All too often people choose to take the road most traveled because it has been paved and painted for them. I have found that taking the road less traveled or making the right decision is often harder at the time. However, making the right decision is easier than having to correct the errors that resulted from trying to avoid responsibility.
Personal Responsibility and College Success
Visioning the light and the end of the tunnel is the first step in being successful in college. Attending college is a huge commitment that demands a great deal of our time; Time that could be spent with family or friends. As a mother, wife, and working member of society, I must manage time efficiently, and prioritize accordingly. Obtaining my college degree is a personal achievement. More importantly, I am setting the example for my children. Many people point the finger, and place blame on others for their failures. I choose to take personal responsibility for my actions, and prove not only to myself, but also to my children that each of us are responsible for our own successes or failures.
Preliminary Plan My preliminary plan to practice personal responsibility in my education is to take action, and manage my time carefully. I will take the time to learn the material assigned, and ensure my work is submitted on time. I will take advantage of the resources provided to me; so that I may benefit from this educational opportunity afforded me. I will not procrastinate. I will set myself goals, and I will accomplish those goals.
Conclusion
Understanding what personal responsibility means to each of us is crucial to our college success. We must take the time to look within ourselves to understand how personal responsibility can be applied to our educational plan. Knowing that each of us is responsible for our success or failure is incentive enough to obtain a degree. We have to recognize that every decision that we make can affect our future. We need to take charge of our lives and make the right choices.