WPSU’s This I Believe / Personal Philosophies and Core Values

I believe in penny loafers, plaid skirts, navy blue stockings and white Oxfords. I used to sigh each morning as I threw on the same school uniform every day, wishing I could wear something more comfortable to school. I never had to worry about dressing to impress in a small all-girls Catholic high school.

I believe that a woman’s place is in the home. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that women shouldn’t work or that men shouldn’t help out around the house. But I believe that the woman is the one who makes the house a home. No matter how humble or how grand, it’s the feminine…

In June of 2009, I went with my family to Key Largo, Florida for a vacation. We headed out into the emerald waves nearby to go SCUBA diving. As we skimmed across the choppy water, I felt a mix of emotions. I was excited to try SCUBA diving for the first time, nervous to put my…

When I was 10 years old, my grandfather died. I was so sad and cried for a long time. But then I remembered a promise I made to my grandfather. Even now, I believe that keeping the promise is my duty.

First there’s a hushed suggestion. Then, the grandchildren start to whine. As my mother tries to calm everyone, my dad puts down the paper and issues the decree. We hold our breaths, fingers crossed.

I believe in leprechauns. Well at least this month I do with Saint Patrick’s Day approaching. Next month, I’ll believe in the Easter bunny.

I believe in books. Reading books became one of my hobbies on the day my mother led me to the library in our village and introduced me to the librarian. At that time I was a fourth grader and it was my first visit to the library. The librarian showed me a thin red book. The…

I believe in sailing. When I'm out in my boat and the wind hits my sails, I'm alone. It's just me and the water.