Integrity

by Gianna Zappier

age 11

Integrity is how someone lives his or her life. Everyday we face choices that only each of us can answer for ourselves. We decide how we run our own lives, and that defines who we are. It's having a set of values and choosing to do the right thing versus the wrong thing.
Merriam-Webster defines integrity as:'
1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values: incorruptibility
2. an unimpaired condition: soundness
3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided: completeness

There are many ways to live a life of integrity; however, being honest in what you say and what you do is a big part of it. Speaking up and sharing your opinion can be difficult because when you share your opinion, you share a part of yourself. You are trusting others to respect your opinion, even if it is different than theirs.
Speaking up against bullying is a way to show integrity. It is the right thing to do though it isn't always the easiest. When someone is a victim of bullying, they feel alone because they feel like no one can stop the bullying. I wouldn't want anyone to feel that. I wouldn't want one of my classmates to feel so alone when I could speak up. It's not easy because speaking against a bully makes you a target. I know I have strong relationships with my family and friends, the other kid might not. By speaking up, I can become a part of that kid's support system.
By living a life with integrity, I hope to become a person of courage, honesty and compassion.

The Meaning of Indomitable Spirit and How I Apply it in my Life

by Rocco Manno
age 9 Blue Belt Essay

Tong Il Jeon Shrine

Indomitable spirit means you have a spirit that is unbeatable, unshakable and invincible. It does not mean you always win, it means you stay positive and you don't let other people discourage you. At Chosun Taekwondo Academy, the instructors teach us how to have an indomitable spirit. They encourage us to do our best and to never give up, even when training is hard. 
In my life I did not always have an indomitable spirit. When I was in 1st and 2nd grade, some boys were bullying me and I had a really hard time controlling my temper and emotions. I was very frustrated and I let them make me angry. It made me so sad that whey were so mean to me. I was beaten. 
Now Taekwondo has helped me to have an indomitable spirit. This year in 3rd grade, a boy in my class was bothering me but I handled it much differently. He cursed at me, hit me and even tried to ruin my art project. I don't like how he treated me but I didn't let his behavior control me. I got my teachers to help me and he had consequences, not me. I didn't let him ruin my day. My teacher even said I was dealing with the situation "maturely." I feel good about how I handled this and I feel strong because I can control myself and stay positive. I have an indomitable spirit!