Good Life Award - Winners
2008
Good Life Award Writing Contest
Award of Distinction Winner
John Baker
8th Grade, Oakwood Junior High School
| Every morning at breakfast, I ask my dad how he is doing, and he always replies, “Livin’ The Dream.” No matter what happens to my dad during his day, he is always “Livin’ The Dream.” The goal for my teenage years is to be just like my dad. No matter what happens to me, I am going to be “Livin’ The Dream.” This just means that I am going to have a positive attitude toward life and to look for the blessings and goodness in each situation. In life, there will be many choices to make. With choices, comes responsibility. For example, if I choose not to do my homework or study, I will not get good grades. This would affect the dreams I have for my life. Some of those dreams are to play football in college and possibly for a professional team. I also dream about pursuing my interest in science and somehow, make that a career. There are, however, hidden challenges that I have to face in order to reach my dreams, and goals that I have set for myself. Some of these hidden challenges are peer pressure to drink and get involved with drugs; to get into trouble at school; and to make poor decisions outside of school, which might lead to criminal behavior. I know that I am the only person responsible for myself, and I must make good decisions on a daily basis. This is the making of a good life. Small decisions add up to major accomplishments. I have many good friends that care about me and positively influence my life. It is important for me to surround myself with friends that build me up and have similar goals, values, and interests. I know that I can count on my friends to tell me the truth and support me in times of trouble. My friends can count on me, as well, to help them through tough times and to be honest with them in all situations. My family and I are also very close, and I rely on my parents for love, acceptance, and guidance in all my decisions. As I grow older, I am hoping for more independence from my parents. I know that I can make good decisions on my own. I also know that my parents will always be there when I make some poor decisions. I am excited for my teenage years. I can’t wait for all the choices and experiences that are waiting for me. I know there will be hard work and tough choices to make, but I will not forget that I am on a journey through this life. After my teenage years, I want to play professional football. I hope to have a career in the field of science. I know that I will have many good friends, and I will always have my brothers, sister, and parents to lean on. No matter what happens, I know that I will always be “Livin’ The Dream!” |