What the CCA Way Means to Me
Growing up as a child, my mother and grandmother instilled in me a strong sense of moral values. Their lives serve as great examples of strength and perserverance. Even through their struggles and successes, they showed me by example the importance of integrity, respect, trust, loyalty and accountability. I know everyone has heard the sayings, "honesty is the best policy," "respect is earned not given," "point one finger and four point back at you," or "the buck stops here." Well my grandmother quoted those sayings on a daily basis...OMG! Back then, I really didn't understand the relevance of those quirky statements, but as a adult all I can say now is she was right!
In all of my years, there has not been a day that has passed in which I have not had those values tested. If you have children, try not having integrity with them watching and learning from the decisions you make. Imagine your life if you had not respected your mother and father. If you've ever had to have surgery, imagine not trusting the doctor or his skills. Or how about having that one best friend that is always there for you, but you don't return the favor because you aren't loyal.
Those were just a few of the many opportunities in which I have had to apply the values I was taught as a child and that's just on a personal level. I strive to be the best example to my children and teach them the value of integrity. I have so much respect for my mother and father and can't imagine my life if I had not. I have faith which allows me to have trust in others and I have had to learn by losing a friend the value of loyalty.
One of the reasons I wanted to become an employee of CCA was that the company's values were a mirror of what I've known all my life. It was refreshing to see that there was a company that understood the importance of VALUES. On a daily basis I am faced with opportunities to be a positive example of the guiding principles which are already a constant in my personl life. What a challenge... we should all want to be better and strive to do good.
Remember... It's not what you give, but what you do that will last!
Sound Out
Linda Sevison at Idaho Correctional Center:
Very good thoughts! I think most of us, at some point in our lives, were taught values or at least exposed to them through others. I especially liked your points about raising children and the effect our values (or lack thereof) has on them.