Jared C
Mrs. Duda
English 12/Block 2
15 February 2008
This I Believe
I believe in hard work. Hard work is what makes America what it is. Our capitalist society wouldn’t exist without hard work. It is the means to all we have, and the product of unrelenting motivation. Hard work allows the common man to rise above his social class and become infinitely more wealthy. When our forefathers came to America from Europe, they worked hard to lay a foundation for our new land. When our founding fathers came together, they worked hard to separate America from Europe’s tyrannical rule. America is one nation under God, and God helps those who help themselves.
Immigrants know the value of hard work. So fascinated with living in a free, capitalist society that they often go through extremely hard tasks just to get here. We’re fortunate to have been born here. Immigrants have to take tests on their knowledge of American history, most of which many Americans couldn’t even pass. They work hard to come to the best country in the world, and they are duly rewarded for it. They are then immersed in American culture, where they will continue to work hard, and eventually, have enough money to own a house and support a family. And that to me is the greatest reward to have. Others will work hard and combined with their intelligence, they will come to make more money than most people will ever know (Bill Gates.)
My father knew the value of hard work. There are no free rides in life. This was the most influential life lesson that he taught me. And I learned it the hard way. Growing up, if I broke something, I paid for it. If I wanted something, I paid for it. I got a job, I paid my taxes. No one is there to hold your hand through life. It makes me appreciate my hard earned money for it. It is not a matter of what a person has, it is a matter of how hard he worked for what he has. I believe in hard work.