Running head: THIS I BELIEVE 1

This I Believe

Shalee Thomas

The College of Southern Idaho

Evin Fox

EDUC 204 Families, Communities, and Culture

Spring 2019
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This I Believe

What comes from the choices, decisions, and actions you make? It begins to form a

perception for who you are. The perception that is created forms a reputation. My mother always

said, “You only get one chance at your reputation”. Reputation can be positive or negative. The

world I live in allows us to display our actions constantly. Nothing is left to the imagination.

Social media is a window into one’s character. I believe that my reputation is an important part

of my community’s well-being.

Personal Story

Growing up in a small town with one high school, one dominant religion, and in these

neighborhoods a family’s depictions become very relevant. Friendships, Neighborhoods, and

extra-circular activities begin to segregate. My father would say “once its posted, its for the

world to see….no taking it backing”. Life as a freshman in high school was difficult. Spending

time and energy to “fit in” sometimes it would come at all cost. My best friend sent an explicit

photo through a social network site. The photo didn’t remain only on the intended viewers phone

it was shared through multiple phones within community. This became a green light for every

high school boy to make a call. Trips around the block, date night, and facetiming began to

become a regular event. It was devasting watching as a friend. Who is now known for this and it

will follow her throughout the rest of her life. I have chosen to continue being her friend, but I

am very aware of the reputation she has given herself. I am grateful I was attentive to my

parent’s advice. Although sometimes not willing, but I now know it has saved me from

heartache.
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My Reputation

No teen is flawless, but through guidance. I was able to form a caring, loving, and giving

reputation. I took the role of social media as a guide to reach others in need and I found

Operation Christmas Child. Through this is organization it provides children around the world

with love, joy, and hope from one small gift within shoebox. The videos of children receiving the

gifts, gathering the goods, and the packing of boxes began to ravish within our community. I was

able to provide over 120 children the joys of Christmas with the help of my community. My

community looks to me and wants to help me continue the joys of this project every year. I let

the joys of giving shine right through me. I am forever grateful that this reflects me and my

reputation.

Conclusion

Mistakes can be made, people can be forgiven, but it is nearly impossible to fix a

reputation. Reputation within a community does it matter. The reputation I carried will carry with

my children, my friendships, and my future careers. The community will continue to look

through social media to see the reputation I set for myself as it will for others. As my mother

always said, “You only get one chance at your reputation”. So my advice is, it better be a good

one!