Important Qualities Versus Rewarded Qualities

Quite a few years ago I learned the importance of writing down the qualities we would like to have and than acting as if we already had them. By doing this four things would happen: 1) We would gravitate to those experiences that would help us develop those qualities, 2) We would gravitate towards people who had those qualities, 3) People who had those qualities or at least valued them would gravitate towards us, and 4) People who did not value those qualities would dismiss and shun us if not outright fight against us.

Although I wrote qualities down many years ago (at least 25!) it has been a long time since I have reviewed them. Yet, they have played a significant role in shaping who I am. In spite of that, it is time I rewrite that list--or at least modify it--as there were some things left off that original list that as I've grown older I've realized are extremely important.

My new modified list statement would be: I am genuine, real, humble and teachable, kind, courteous, trustworthy, honest and a woman of integrity, optimistic, diligent, virtuous seeking only those things that are lovely and of good report and praiseworthy, discerning, patient, long suffering, loving, warm, approachable, compassionate, wise, radiant, curious and interested, respectful, dependable, hard working and a doer, visionary, a great conversationalist and a good communicator, loyal, committed, passionate, learned and knowledgeable, generous, full of faith and confidence, talented, empathetic, forgiving, bold and assertive, reverent, appreciative....and Christlike in all that I do and say with a willingness to sacrifice all that I have in order to serve others regardless of how small my circle of influence may be.

Needless to say I will not perfect these qualities during this earthly experience as it will take an eternity to do so. Yet, the very fact that these are my desires, I must be prepared for the four consequences mentioned earlier. Plus, it is important to recognize and accept the fact that these qualities are not the qualities the world applauds or rewards. In fact, the opposite could occur and even most likely will occur as history reveals what has happened to those who were well on their way to perfecting these qualities. Even Christ who was perfect in every way was trampled upon and crucified.

Education Savings Account and Books

By helping our diverse students open an education savings account and then contribute to it we are not only telling them that we believe in them, but we are also helping them to focus on education goals.


Some things we can to encourage this: (The focus is going on the Hispanic student population because that is where my experience is but could definitely be adapted to other diverse student populations)

• In schools with a high Hispanic population when you find out some family is going to have a baby, give the family a book with a $1 (or more) check made out to a bank to open an education savings account. Sixth grade Hispanic students could tape record the books, and they could be given a small amount of money for their education savings account for doing this. A business partner (or grant) could be involved in paying for the cost of this project.


• For the state Spanish Spelling Bee, have the reward be money for an education savings account and a book.


• Encourage service and civic organizations to sponsor a variety of contests such as essay contests with the reward being money for the education savings account and books.


• School and classroom rewards could be money for the education savings account and books rather than other treats.


• Family members, friends, and neighbors could be encouraged to give money for the education savings account and/or books for such celebrations as holidays, births, birthdays, graduations, quinceañeras and other special occasions. Fellow church members could be encouraged to do the same for special occasions the child or youth experiences in the church setting such as baptisms.
• Encourage the student to put at least 10% of any earnings from an allowance or job into his/her educations savings account.
• Hold events such as yard sales where all the profit is divided amongst the participating students for their education savings account.
• Find someone who will match the amount of money in the education savings account each year. If needs be, set a minimum and/or a maximum the student has to accumulate.

In Utah (and a few other states) Zions Bank can help with setting up this education savings account. It can be opened with the minimum amount of $1 and the interest is greater than it is for other accounts. An added plus: Zions has Spanish banks where everyone in the bank speaks Spanish. For more information about this, contact Sylvia Haro at sylvia.haro@zionsbank.com. Other banks may have similar programs, but I am most familiar with Zions because I have worked with them.