1996-1997 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
Crockett High School,Austin, Texas
1st Nicole Skinnell
2nd Terra Mayfield 
3rd Javier Tovar
"Responsibility is taking the blame for one's actions.
Deciding who has responsibility and who does not, is a question worth pondering. Some
Americans realize that they are responsible for something, and take full responsibility,
while others do not, and could care less whether or not they do have responsibility. To
the nation, responsibility means different things. To some it means taking care of, and
raising a family, to others it means being active in political campaigns and voting, and
to some it means taking responsibility for their own actions."
Nicole Skinnell, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"I have a friend who at a young age ended up having a child.
Instead of just sitting around, and waiting for welfare checks to come in, she received a
G.E.D., went to a junior college, later attended a University, and is now on the way to
becoming a pharmacist. She accepted responsibility for her child and is now preparing a
brighter future for herself and the child."
Nicole Skinnell, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"People should also realize, that their will always be
problems, unless they try to act as part of the solution."
Nicole Skinnell, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"Taking responsibility, means the ability to meet obligations
or to act without superior authority or guidance. Most everything in this world works
based on this one word, responsibility. When you are young, your parents are responsible
for you, and soon you become responsible for yourself."
Terra Mayfield, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"I, as a Senior in high-school, have many responsibilities.
My life is about to change drastically. I am starting out on a new venture, one of living
on my own and not having mom and dad by my side telling me to do this and do that, get
this form in and do your homework. These, of course, were all my responsibilities before,
but now I am faced with a whole new set of responsibilities. Going to college is a big
step, and with that comes responsibilities such as buying my own food, making sure that I
am up on time, and eventually paying my own bills."
Terra Mayfield, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"As we grow older we are faced with the coming of
independence,which in turn brings responsibility. The dictionary defines the term
responsibility as, 'A person or thing for which someone is responsible; an obligation.'
Sexual responsibility, however, begins before the actual action occurs. The use of
contraceptives is highly stressed by parents, teachers, and the media. The group most
concentrated on is by far teenagers. Teenagers feel a sense of complete protection against
any danger. Classes are taught on how to use and where to buy these forms of protection.
In the beginning of a relationship it is almost guaranteed that there are strong sexual
feelings. When the time comes for intercourse to occur the guy will ask, 'are you sure you
are ready?' Almost on instinct the girl will reply,'yes'. This is the point at which
responsibility is tossed out of the window. Excuses for not using protection range from,
'it feels better without protection', 'nothing will happen to you', or even 'if anything
happens I will be there for you, I love you.'"
Nichole Mooneyham, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"Teachers have the power to affect the value and character of
the young. Teachers can serve as effective care givers-loving and respecting their
students, helping them to succeed in school, building their self esteem, and enabling them
to experience what responsibility is by having the teacher treat them in a moral way.
Teachers can serve as role models, and teachers can serve as ethical mentors-providing
moral instruction and guidance through explanation, classroom discussion in the classroom,
etc."
Terra Mayfield, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas
"I have learned much from my mother. …While she was
working towards her degree, my siblings and I were seated and she asked us for help. (A
decision by my mother which taught me self-reliance, as well as responsibility.) At night,
she would be at her classes and studying till all hours, and all she asked from us was
…get the house clean, dishes washed, and homework done."
Javier Tovar, Crockett High School, Austin, Texas