Throughout our lives, we are faced with challenges that require us to show a strong character and spirit. Going to a job interview, making important decisions about work and family life, facing opponents and trying to win others’ approval are just some instances where we have to possess strength of character. But is such a quality innate to particular individuals or is it acquired through trial and error, and our experiences? In my opinion, a strong character can in fact be built through the right experiences in the right situations.

First of all, children need to learn the concepts of honesty and respect from a very early age, so as to establish a well-mannered behavior when communicating. For instance, when I was in elementary school, my parents told me not to lie and keep my promises. Moreover, I was advised to treat my peers the way I wanted to be treated. I was taught to show respect and to be tolerant of the differences between other people and me. Eventually, this helped me to establish myself as trustworthy and respected amongst my peers.

Second, a child has to understand that he or she is responsible for his or her own actions. As a student, I was punished whenever I blamed other people for my own mistakes, and I took the full consequences of my actions. This was eventually beneficial, as I learned to judge my decisions and I became more disciplined. Moreover, I gained experience in resolving problems and gauging a situation.

Finally, young people should be instructed to be tolerant and conscious citizens. They should be taught to be open-minded and willing to accept the differences between people. In addition, it is important to explain to students that supporting the community they live in is a great way to improve both the lives of others and their own. Nowadays, I try to participate in charity campaigns and volunteer at the community center, yet I am not very active in my own community.

To sum up, I believe that a strong character can be built in a child by introducing him or her to the ideas of honesty, respect and tolerance, as well as teaching the child to be responsible, and a supporter of his or her community.