How do you live your life? by Natalie

How do you live your life? by Natalie - February 2014 Scholarship Essay

"Live in such a way that if anyone were to speak badly of you no one would believe them." This quote has influenced me greatly over the course of my high school career as well as my life thus far. It not only a quote I live by but essentially it has become my motto in life.

Gossip is a sad reality that we have all faced at one time or another; not just in high school but also in life. You will always come across people willing to waste their time talking negatively about someone else. But the real problem with most rumors is that they are believable that's what makes them spread so easily. The person hearing the rumor is much more likely to tell someone else if they can imagine you saying or doing whatever the rumors says.

I have seen not only friends, but public figures' reputations destroyed by rumors. They got themselves into questionable situations or were seen with questionable people. When the wrong people heard about them their reputations were hurt. Especially with public figures we see them make one questionable decision and the press can use the information against them. Thus completely and totally destroying their reputation, if not their lives. When you put yourself into questionable positions you give people opportunity to question your integrity and your motives.

I am not naïve in believing that in my lifetime I will never go untouched by hurtful gossip spread by gossipers. Especially by those that see other people being happy around them and jealously starts to brew. They feel so bad on the inside that they tear others down to feel better about themselves. They see it as if I are unhappy why not try and make other people unhappy too? But if I live a life of integrity, a life with respect for myself and those around me. Then my life and my reputation shouldn't be tainted by their idle words.

This quote has influenced me to be the best person I can possibly be. It also reminds me that when I hear gossip about someone to turn the other way. Gossip is a cruel game with no winners. So why even participate? Just like the quote says, I want to live my life such a way that if anyone were to speak badly of me no one would believe them.