Jesse Ash (NJ) College Scholarship Recipient – INTEGRITY

Integrity is more than just a core value; it is a way of life that defines character, shapes decisions, and influences the lives of others. It is commitment to honesty, ethics, and doing what is right even when no one is watching. Integrity started to shape my world at the age of 19 when a business owner posed a simple yet profound question: “What would you like to become in life?” Without hesitation, I responded, knowing deep within me that my purpose was to help others, whether in achieving their goals, improving their health, or connecting them to necessary services.

However, what came next was a lesson that changed my perspective. The business owner, OT, looked at me and said, “You do not sell your integrity to be recognized by others.” At that moment, I felt embarrassed, not because I had done something wrong, but because I realized how crucial integrity was in every aspect of life. That simple statement reshaped my understanding of success. It taught me that being true to myself and standing by my values would always be more important than seeking validation or shortcuts to recognition. From that day forward, I carried this lesson with me in every decision I made, ensuring that my desire to help others was always rooted in honesty, sincerity, and ethical practice.

Throughout my journey, integrity has been the guiding force behind my actions and interactions with others. In one instance, I had the opportunity to assist a struggling family in accessing resources for better healthcare and stability. They were on the verge of losing hope, overwhelmed by the challenges they faced. I could have taken the easy route—offering quick solutions without transparency or ensuring they fully understood their options. However, I chose to uphold integrity by providing them with honest guidance, ensuring they had all the necessary information to make informed decisions for themselves.

By remaining truthful, ethical, and committed to their well-being, I witnessed firsthand how integrity can inspire hope. The family not only regained confidence in their future but also learned the importance of advocating for themselves. Their success story reinforced my belief that integrity is the foundation of trust, and trust is essential for positive change.