Ben's "Most Valuable Lesson"

All I really need to know I learned at Y camp. The only place where you can show your true self.  The only place where you can pour out your emotions to anyone no matter how you feel, and they will listen. The only place where everyone is sad because they have to wait another whole year to come back, because it means so much to them. The only place where people, no matter their background or past experiences, will feel at home.

This is what I have learned: 

• Be yourself.  

• Don’t be afraid to get dirty.  

• Real men do cry.  

• Speak your mind.  

• You have the power to change the world. 

• Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Honesty are four of the greatest values to live by.

• A night at campfire is a night to remember. 

• Friendship is everlasting.

• One tin soldier rides away… 

• Everyone is a winner. 

• Setting inner goals will truly help you succeed and progress in life. 

• Getting thrown in the lake isn’t so bad after all. 

• Get your sleep, you’ll need it.

• Look on the bright side.

• HAVE FUN!!! 

A while ago, I went up to a friend and asked him how he does it, always being so happy and cheerful. Here is what he told me. He said that when he wakes up in the morning, he has two options: He can either be in a good mood, or be in a bad mood; he chooses to be in a good mood. He said that when someone comes to him with a problem, he looks at it two ways: He can either agree with the person and complain with them, or look on the bright side and find ways to solve the problem; he looks on the bright side. Ever since I talked to him, I’ve chosen to live just like him, and always look at the bright side of things. If everyone were just like this friend of mine, the world would be a much happier place.