What Matters 2

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What Matters? All throughout the first semester, we are going to explore the issue of what matters- what matters to you, in literature, and how does it relate to the world around us. This is one of your first assignments where you are going to create a visual of what matters to you.

What Matters to Anne Smith...

Family matters to me. Growing up and Now...
Growing up...I have always felt blessed to have grown up with my family of 3 brothers (Matt, Keith and Adam) as well as a great dad and mom. Being the only girl, nothing less was expected of me than what my brothers could accomplish. My brothers pushed me (figuratively and literally) and I really am grateful to have had three such distinctive brothers watching over me.

My Dad matters to me. My dad told me growing up a few pieces of advice: one, girls don't swear; two, girl don't smoke; and three; don't be a wussy. Somehow this advice has always stuck with me and made me into the person I am today.

My Mom matters to me. My mom's piece of advice to me whenever I would walk out the door was, " Anne, remember who you are." This has stuck with me because no matter who I was going out with whether it be friends or on a date, it reminded me that the choices I make reflect my values and beliefs.

Now... Jeff, Jackson, Emma and Will. Having a family of five, there is never a dull moment. What matters to me is teaching my kids to be the best human beings they can be....listening to others, giving to others, realizing you can never give or get enough hugs, and most importantly, realizing that competition is the essence of life! (Just kidding) Whether they want to be an artist, athlete, or rock star ( I vote rock star), I just want them to lead happy and fulfilling lives. As I said before, I have always felt so blessed growing up, that I want them to experience many of the same things I did. As for Jeff, what matters to me about him is that I feel like I can do more than I have ever done and am supported in all that I want to do.

Jerry, Nancy, Jenn, Greg and Kailey matter to me because the openly accepted Emma and I into their lives and we have been better for it! Thanks for all the hugs and laughter.

Friends matter to me. This may surprise some of you, but I have never been the best with friends. However, after moving to Colorado, I feel like I know why. I have been accepted, encouraged, supported, and loved by so many people here. I can't thank enough Jeff, Maura, Katie, Kristin, Cara, Jessie, Andrea, and all my other AHS buddies! You guys really are the best! (That sounds cheesy but I can't think of another way to say it.)

Education matters to me. I have always liked school. I have had great teachers and coaches who helped me realize school is more than just studying and regurgitating information back to them. I wanted to do the same for other kids. I wanted to be a teacher that could show students all they could become. I didn't want them to think learning ends when you are done with your class, or high school or college, but that we should want to be life long learners (continual learners). I want this to matter to my students! With education comes reading; I think it is so important that you read everyday. It is one of my favorite things to do to relax.

Working out matters to me. I think taking care of your body physically helps all areas of your life. You are more mentally prepared to handle the challenges each day brings. As I said before, competition is a important part of life to me. I think there isn't anything wrong with working hard towards a goal and achieving it. I have competed in athletics for most of my life from figure skating, golf, swimming, track, cross country, soccer, and my favorite, volleyball. All of the activities not only matter just because of the competition, but because I had great coaches, and friends I met.

Faith matters to me. Although I don't have a picture up of a cross, or God or any other symbol of my faith, believing in God has always been an important part of my life. My parents raised me to be a child of God, and I have continued on that path. He has done amazing things in my life and provided for me so often. He truly is great.