IDEALS OF CITIZENSHIP

Lake County Mail, Issue 29, 10 December 1947, Page 1

IDEALS OF CITIZENSHIP

Allison Johnston Wins Essay Competition Miss Allison Johnston was the winner of the annual essay prize given to the Queenstown District High School by the Queenstown Rotary Club. The subject was, “How I can Best Fit Myself to Become a Useful Citizen.” The winning essay is reproduced here. “It is rny aim in life U> become a good and useful citizen of Hie community to which 1 belong. To fulfil rny ■wish it is necessary that I begin my preparations for the part I must some day play, not when I attain the age of 21, but now. In order to become a useful citizen, I must first learn the element!, of good citizenship. “.1/ home I must always respect my parents and be obedient in all things. To my brothers and sisters 1 must be kind, generous, and helpful, and find joy in making others happy, as it is so much more satisfactory if home life is based on friendship, I must also try to rnn.emJ.ter how very much I owe to my parents, give them every consideration, and do all in my power to make them feel proud of their daughter. I must also remember that my behaviour outside home is based on my conduct at home, and J must, no matter ■where I am, always be a credit to my family. "At school 1 am among strange boys and girls, and should set them a good example by my conduct. Here, too, 1 can always be friendly and helpful if I would only try to find little kindnesses to do instead of just waiting to he asked to do things. i must not be selfish, but always think of others first. I must always remember that all people are equal, and that money does not necessarily mean happiness. I must also consider the teachers who have to pul up with me till lam 15 years old. If I am obedient, friendly, and industrious at school, T am helping to make the task of the teacher much lighter and more pleasant. Therefore I can, while at school, learn much that will be of benefit to me when I become an elder member of the community. 1 must also remember that education is the means of fitting me for the work I must later do, and for filling in my leisure hours to the best possible advantage. “ Thus I can make the most of rny education by choosing good literature, sport, and films. When reading, I do not just glance over the pages, but read intelligently and am able to repeat what I have learnt, if necessary. At school I must also be willing, and sportsmanlike in all things, no matter how big or little they may be. “ In public, I must respect my elders, remember rny manners, be friendly, and always on the look-out for little kindnesses to help others who are less fortunate than myself. “ I should be co-operative and willing to join in any activity which will help

me to belter my position as a useful citizen. 1 can have respect, not only for mine, but also public properly, and do all in rny power to prevent acts of vandalism. “As I have so far been unable to lake -part in any council or other meetings, I can at least inquire as to what is bring done for our town, and follow up all council affairs which influence tni/ life. 1 must know the use of the haul in rny own district, and the occupations of the people, together with an outline of the district's history. This is necessary for the information of others. “ I can keep myself respectable and clean always, and avoid the evils of intoxicating liquors and gambling, which are found in many citizens. 1 can also fake an interest in national as well as civic affairs, and remember that I am also a■, member of the British Dominion and that others will form their opinions of Xcw Zealanders from my conduct. “ Therefore if 1 can do all these things, and do them well, I should someday be a useful member of the community."