Being a four year varsity cross-country and track & field athlete has introduced me to the best people I have ever known, over time the strong bonds I have made with my fellow teammates has taught me a very valuable lesson about good character and the importance of who you surround yourself with. I see my teammates more than I see my own family so I attribute a majority of the positive qualities I have to being around them so often. Together my teammates and I have overcame lose and celebrated victory which ignited us to grow and mature with one another. We learned the significance of supporting and encouraging one another, giving one hundred percent of our effort in all that we did, and how to be a leader by positive example. I was able to carry this value throughout all aspects in my life, where I found fulfillment in helping people in my community as a volunteer on the Fairview First-Aid squad .When reflecting on the importance of friendship in building good character a Japanese proverb comes to mind , ¨ When the character of a man is not made clear to you, look at his friends.¨ Simply, this means that the people you surround yourself with will influence other people's perception of you and without even realizing it their qualities (positive or negative) will rub off on you. The same merit is applied vice-versa where your characteristics can influence your friends. Being a good role model and carrying yourself in the best, most honest way possible will eventually influence your peers and those who surround you. Some traits that I think are most important to having a positive disposition and friendships are being dependable, loyal, caring, a good listener, and empathetic. Good character is built over time and takes hard work and practice which is why it is important to build friendships that will support you in constructing an admirable character.