Noblesse Obligue

The saying "actions speak louder than words" may sound true for many of us, as the things we do, our example, can have a profound impact not just on others, but also to ourselves. However, sometimes our actions are not aligned with our values or goals, and can lead to negative consequences. In order to avoid repeating these mistakes, it is crucial to address the root causes of our actions, understand why we acted the way we did, and take steps to change our behavior. It is difficult to understand the cause of your bad decisions. Probably the reason lies in the fact that we ourselves are the worst person to judge our actions, because our mindsets and feelings blind us to the object behind the wrong decisions in our life. Therefore, sometimes it hurts to hear the opinion or judgment of others about your shortcomings. But it is important that we do not identify these moments in our life as pointing fingers, but rather as opportunities for self-improvement. When you make a mistake, knowing that by committing it you define the fate of many important things around you, such as your relationship with your family, with your school and before God; when you judge yourself, it is impossible to reach a conclusion about the negligence that was made. As your mind thinks of the confusion, lack of confidence and pain that a carelessness, a lack of concentration, an excess of confidence can cause to many, and this blocks your temperance and breaks your character, to such an extent that it shuts up your enthusiasm for things. That happened to me.

​

“Article X. Section II. Members who fall below the standards that were the basis for their selection shall be promptly warned in writing by the chapter adviser and given a reasonable amount of time to correct the deficiency, except that in the case of flagrant violation of school rules or the law, a member does not have to be warned.” (Constitution for the National Honor Society).

​

The motto "Noblesse oblige" is a French phrase that translates to "nobility obligates." It is a principle that suggests that those who are privileged or hold a higher social status have a moral obligation to use their power and resources to help others and make a positive impact on society. This concept highlights the idea that with privilege comes responsibility, and that it is not enough to simply enjoy the benefits of one's social status, but that one must also contribute to the well-being of others. Being part of the National Honor Society, as the name suggests, is to be a man or woman of honor, who has been chosen by people to exercise his or her honor by being a leader, fulfilling with an optimum character, excelling in academics, and taking responsibility in his or her role with his or her community. Any person who fails to comply with these characteristics is being deficient in his or her responsibilities, in the eyes of the aforementioned article.

​

Noblesse Oblige. Being a member of the NHS demands establishing and being clear that the privilege that was given to you, carries an obligation to others, and this will not be achieved with words but with actions, by your example. By the example that you are a leader that anyone can trust, since those people know that you can never abuse that trust. But when that trust is abused, it inevitably breaks, especially if that trust helped you get to where you are.

​

“On the contrary, we always behave as befits being ministers of God, with great constancy: in tribulations, in adversities, in distresses, in enduring blows, in prison, in revolts, in fatigues, in lack of sleep, in hunger. We act with integrity, with intelligence, with patience, with kindness, with docility to the Holy Spirit.” (Second letter to the Corinthians. 6, 4 – 6).

​

Although my words are somewhat pessimistic, we have to be realistic about real issues, real mistakes, real consequences. Nevertheless, as the reading says, act with integrity, with intelligence, with patience, with kindness in any tribulation. Don't let a mistake define who you are, you define that with each new day, a day that you should not see as a routine event, but as a new opportunity to overcome yesterday's self. I found wisdom in the words of God, reason in the advice of my school, and comfort in the support of my family.

​

​The National Honor Society is one of those opportunities. That day after day it gives its members enthusiasm to be leaders in their community, and that in turn be salt and light of the world, as the gospel of Sunday February 5 suggests. So, Members of the NHS, it is time to translate words into actions and continue with the commitment that was once entrusted to you, to say that the flame of the institution’s badge represents the passion to be agents of change, that although some do not have the privilege of carrying that distinctive, we will always carry in our hearts that, “in tribulations, in adversities, in distresses, in enduring blows, in revolts, in fatigues, in lack of sleep”, “Noblesse Oblige.”