Personal Responsibility

Personal responsibility, to me, means that we as individuals are responsible for our own actions. We begin learning this as children. As children, we are taught the difference between right and wrong, and when we make the conscious decision to do something wrong, we have to face the consequences. We are also taught that when you do the right thing, you are usually rewarded. The ideal situation is that we would learn not to do those things again that caused us to be punished. The knowledge we take from these experiences carry over into adulthood. Even though sometimes things happen in life which is beyond our control, we are ultimately responsible for pursuing the outcomes we want. We are responsible for ourselves, thus we are responsible for our actions. Owning up to this responsibility will help us in the long run. Looking up the definition of personal responsibility is impossible. One would have to look up the definition of the two individual words, personal and responsibility. The definition of personal is: “of, pertaining to, or coming as from a particular person; individual; private. Relating to, directed to or intended for a particular person” (“personal,” n.d.) . The definition of responsibility is: “being accountable, as for something that’s in one’s power, control or management; involving accountability, having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable” (“responsibility,” n.d.). Putting these two definitions, one could very well come out with a good understanding of what personal responsibility means. My personal definition is an individual being responsible for their own actions. We are taught as toddlers about the difference between right and wrong. As a child, when we would put items in our mouth, we would be punished. If we cleaned up after ourselves, we would be rewarded. This positive reinforcement carries on throughout our lives. Learning that we are responsible for the choices we make as well as the values we are

Bibliography: Hersh, R.D., & Schneider, C.G. (2005, Fall). Fostering Personal & Social Responsibility on College & University Campuses. Liberal Education, (), 6-13. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database This was an article about the need for colleges and universities to make the development of social and personal responsibility a priority in a student’s academic career. It discussed the five dimensions for personal and social responsibility everyone must possess. It also discusses how it will take the entire college administration to take a serious and committed stand to help foster social and personal responsibility in its students. Colby, A, & Sullivan, W.M, (2009, Winter). Strengthening the Foundations of Students’ Excellence, Integrity, and Social Contribution. Liberal Education, (), 22-29. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database. This was an article similar to the first article, except its main focus was on strengthening the integrity and excellence the student already possesses. It argues to the point that colleges should attempt to use their knowledge as a means towards responsible engagement. personal. (n.d.). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://www.dictionary.com This is just an online version of Webster’s Dictionary responsibility. (n.d.). In Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://www.dictionary.com This is just an online version of Webster’s Dictionary