Nickcole talks about what matters in becoming successful: "Those who make it have love, they have help, they have hope from their family and friends."

Beauty is seen in human conduct, in humanity itself, and in the character of a person. The struggle to do the right things, to make oneself beautiful is a manifestation of a person's character. Character is the distinctive mark of a person, thing or phenomena.

One way to think about Nickcole's "self-esteem" is to understand it as her struggle to do the right things for her family and in her own life- to develop good character. It was the Collins family's commitment to do the right things- to strengthen their resolve and character- to make themselves more beautiful, that drove them to seek to better their lives.

Nickcole found the challenge to do good things through her school work, sports and helping her family; her mother, through her new work, supporting and teaching her children; her aunt, in her decision to rid herself of drugs and alcohol; and her grandmother, through watching over all her children and grandchildren.

Character is always forged through the opportunities with which one is presented with to make right choices. Character results from chances (opportunities) to make right choices (decisions).

Discussion Questions

• What is the significance of the statement, "I am, because we are, and because we are, I am?" How does this statement relate to character development?
• Describe this family's relationships to each other. How did these relationships impact their personal character and the family's character?
• How can the faith community share the responsibility of developing the character of youth/adults?
• What role do elders have in developing the character of youth/adults?
• How does the programming of B&GC's impact the development of good character of the participants?
• How could youth service organizations have assisted Nickcole and her family in developing good character?

Resources

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America, (404) 487-5700
• National Youth Development Information Center, (877) 693-4248
• National Association for Self-Esteem, (800) 488-6273
• YouthTree USA, www.youthtreeusa.com