Former American president Theodore Roosevelt once said A good citizen is one who accepts responsibility towards his or her country Should a person care to be a good citizen? Or pass through life simply expecting everything to fall into place? During his inaugural speech in 1961 John Kennedy said with this he addressed Americans of all ages challenging them to contribute to their country in one way or the other.
This statement was one that inspired generations to stop waiting around for the world to change and encouraged them to change it for themselves. says Shalala who was a nineteen-year-old freshman at the time but that changed after hearing Kennedy’s words. Shalala took his words to heart and went on to join the then newly-formed Peace Corps, an organization she called, However Kennedy’s words have not failed the test of time and still motivate current generations to make a difference. says Andrew Collier, 21, from Tennessee. Collier who had recently returned from his 6th trip to New Orleans. Where he is making a difference in the lives of those who had lost their homes to hurricane Katrina.Both Shalala and Collier displayed the standard trait of good citizens.
Both felt an obligation to help their countries and they both acted on it. It’s a common misconception that a good citizen is one who works, pays taxes, and obeys laws. In fact good citizens give minimal thought to their personal interests knowing that their actions affect the lives of those around them.
