Revealing Character Essay Contest
Youth first place winner essay

Revealing Character
by Matthew Cocco, Austin, TX

Character can be defined as multiple things, most of which are subjective. I define it as the ability to make the right, choice even if making the right choice is harder.  Integrity is another part of character- in both academic and daily applications.  Someone who is presented with the option to copy another's assignment, but chooses to accept the "late work" grade has character, in the form of academic honesty.  Other ways to show character would be turning in money or other items you find that aren't yours, coming to the defense of others, even in cases of bullying or discrimination based on the multitude of differences amongst common people.  Choosing to do what's right instead of what's illegal, like downloading hacked copies of music or games, shows character.

I believe that character is something that everybody has a bit of, but something that people should aspire to have more of.  I also think that those who express character are the people who contribute to the community the most, not monetarily but in ways that influence everybody in a positive manner.  People who decide to be academically honest learn more and enhance today's modern society in the future.  Those who return found items grant the original owners the relief of finding the lost article, whether it is money or another valuable item.  Amongst moral dilemmas, coming to the defense of others shows courage, in the form of standing up for what's right.  People who choose to do things legally also contribute to the community, providing companies the money that is rightfully theirs instead of stealing.  I believe that character is the ability to choose to do the right thing, even if the choices isn't the easiest to make.

Click here to read the other finalists essays. (pdf download)

Click here to read the winning adult entry.

For more information about the exhibit, click here.