October Pillar of Character: Trustworthiness
Color: Blue
Trustworthiness is being honest, telling the truth, keeping promises, and being loyal so people can trust you. Trustworthy people don’t lie, cheat or steal. They have integrity and the moral courage to do the right thing and to stand up for their beliefs even when it is difficult to do so.
What parents can do to promote trustworthiness:
1. Teach children the importance of trustworthiness by word and example. Ask yourself, "What message am I sending?" Avoid dishonesty, especially in front of your child. (Ex. Calling the school office and saying, "___ is sick today and won’t be at school” as you are driving to Disneyland.)
2. Encourage honesty even when it may cause your child to get into trouble. Praise efforts to be honest and point out good examples whenever you see them. Express disappointment for dishonesty.
3. Keep your commitments, be on time and do what you say you will do, especially when your child is involved.
Websites to visit
www.goodcharacter.com
www.charactercounts.org
Wakefield Elementary School sixth grade students Estefania Gallardo, 11, and Marium Wilson, 11, go above and beyond in the classroom as role models for their peers but perhaps what is more impressive is their individual character. Both students were honored as October’s Character Counts students of the month for the trait of trustworthiness.
Both girls are trustworthy in different ways. Estefania was voted class president by her peers. She takes her job seriously by stepping up to the plate to take charge as a leader. She realizes that being considered trustworthy by her peers is an important trait as a leader.
“My classmates trust me,” said Estefania. “Whenever a student is in trouble I do whatever I can to help them out. One time one of our classmates got hurt outside playing so I notifying the teacher immediately.”
Estefania enjoys playing soccer and any type of sport that involves putting her feet into motion. She hopes to become a U.S. Olympian when she grows up and compete in long distance running. Marium’s goal is to open up her own dance studio and teach other children the art of dance.
In the classroom the girls are known for their willingness and ability to help other students.
“Trustworthiness is about telling the truth, not lying, and being looked as a role model,” said Marium.
Both Marium and Estefania enjoy math and assist other students when they need help solving a problem.
“Whenever a classmate has a question in math, I do not hesitate to help them out,” said Marium.
Trust is an immeasurable character trait for anyone who wants to help others — a trait that Marium and Estefania have in abundance.
“Both students are great leaders to their peers,” said Wakefield Principal Shellie Santos. “Both girls go out of their way to help out other students become successful individuals of society. During their lunchtime breaks, both students help out the autistic kids in their classroom. There isn’t anything these girls can’t do.”
Estefania’s favorite hobby is soccer and in her free time she enjoys catching up on her sleep.
Marium likes to dance and perform with her group from Westside Ministries.
