First, it was daycare. We learned how to sleep through the night and eat our Cheerios in a mannerly fashion. Then there was kindergarten, where we learned how to tie our shoes and count to 100. We went through every stage of school constantly learning new skills that would eventually be rewarded with a high school diploma. We worked so hard to make our parents proud and to accomplish something that we invested so much time and work into. Some of us went to college, while others chose to go directly into the work force. Either way, we are not done working. It will be a continuous cycle throughout our lives so we can build a foundation for our families and future generations.

Whether it's a job, education or any other situation life hands you, you understand the meaning of work. Everyone is constantly working towards something, no matter your "class." As a current college student, I have learned the value of a solid work ethic and I'm happy I learned this concept at a young age.

I was born into an average middle class family. Although everyone in my family is extremely hard working with respectable jobs, I would not consider us wealthy. Growing up with one parent that had to take care of two children is not an easy task, especially when both of them are as involved as my brother and I have been throughout our childhood. We both played sports, took music lessons and attend(ed) private universities where we both went Greek. I was blessed enough that I knew from a very young age I was going to get the opportunity to go to college. Honestly, I never really had to be told I was going to college, it was just expected.

I would consider myself to be blessed beyond measure. I have been given so much and I would like to think I've made the most of it. But after I left my small town and moved to a place where I knew no one, I found that not everyone has had the same experience as I have. While I have had a job since I could drive, I befriended many people who had never experienced the work force yet. I do not intend to slam those who have never worked before, only share my experience.

I place character and work ethic as some of the most important qualities of a person. The more driven you are to excel at something shows how much you care about it. There were many times throughout high school where I wanted to skip work and hang out with my friends. Looking back, I realized those jobs actually did a lot more than just pay me money. They taught me responsibility, maturity and other values that I'll use for the rest of my life.

I also didn't have a choice on whether I wanted to work during school. I had to pay for my gas as well as any other expenses that at the time I thought I "needed." Now I am a 19-year-old college student living on my own. I pay for my rent, gas, groceries and summer classes while making just above minimum wage. It is not the ideal summer, but it has taught me so many lessons that can't be found anywhere else.

It's about being a part of something bigger than yourself and realizing that you're not the boss. Constantly following directions and being obedient, whether you agree with it or not, is one of the most humbling experiences. It's easy to be a boss, but it's not as simple to be on the other side of orders and become disciplined. Sometimes the best leaders are the best followers.

Growing up isn't easy. If it was, everyone would want to be an adult. But you do have a choice on how you react to it when you get there. My only advice is to start early. Gain experience and connections because they will pay off in the end. Most of all, love what you do, and work at it as hard as you can.