RESPECT- Even When You Don’t Want To by Anisha

RESPECT- Even When You Don’t Want To by Anisha - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

RESPECT- Even When You Don’t Want To
Anisha Silva

Being Rude Gets You Nowhere
I first enrolled in the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do at the age of ten. My parents made me join to learn to be disciplined. I am a naturally rebellious individual to certain authorities, so it is easy for me to be disrespectful to others without thought. I generally do not even notice how rude my behavior may seem to others. My grades were poor, I was always upset, and I had zero motivation to complete tasks. I started taking Taekwondo in late winter to early spring of my fifth-grade year. It really was a major transition period for me to become a teenager. Not necessarily having to do with increased responsibility, but the wacky hormonal changes, that seemingly changed my personality. I was almost defiant. I did not enjoy having to call the instructors sir or ma’am. It was not something I was used to doing. That would just end up with me being told to do thirty pushups.
Through The Ranks
After participating in Taekwondo for about a year, I started to enjoy being there. This was only after I realized that the instructors there truly cared about me. Knowing this has truly helped me learn to find help instead of just complaining and being angry. Because, there definitely are individuals out that want to help you solve issues in your life.
In the beginning of my training, I would test for the next rank every two to four months. But, as I advanced in the ranks, I would test less and less often. Each rank includes more and more prerequisites than the last. Through this, I learned to be more and more self-aware through the wise words of my instructors. One major takeaway from the Korean martial art was the five tenets: courtesy, integrity, self-control, and, indomitable spirit. These tenets are constantly mentioned there. I didn’t think much of them at first. I really thought they were some sort of cheesy selling tactic to get people to sign their kids up in Tae Kwon Do. But after reflecting on their purpose, I saw meaning in them. I thought to myself: “How could I apply this to my daily life? How I use these tenants to help others?” After reflecting on this I looked for ways to apply them. I use the tenets not just to get through the day, but make the day better than the last. Here are some examples. I use courtesy when I am at work. I don’t just say please and thankyou to get the customers to leave. I ask how they’re doing. Doing this helped me make more connections with people, and even develop some friendships. It’s wonderful to know how simply striking up a small conversation can brighten one’s day so much. Many people in the elderly community may not see people every day, and that little bit of human contact may prevent them from becoming depressed. Seeing that I have helped other people be happier is great. Just seeing a sincere smile is a great feeling. Helping others using the five tenets has helped me learn that the world does not revolve around me, and that helping others can be truly rewarding.
Earning a Black Belt
After four and a half years of training, I finally got to test for my first degree black belt. I passed my test without any huge errors. I really feel it would have been much harder to pass without the constant encouragement and the enforcement of the tenets.