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Payton Skands

Mrs. Wold

ERWC

10 April 2022

Integrity Essay

Over the course of my life I have learned and experienced many different things that have

shaped who I am today. There have also been people in my life that have contributed to who I am

today; my family, friends, and teachers are some of the people who have contributed to the

person I am. My life can be compared to a dirt bike because of all the different parts that work

together to make the bike function. Without the individual pieces coming together the bike would

have a lesser time running or not be able to run at all.

The structure of the dirtbike is its aluminum frame. The frame is what all the other pieces

of the dirtbike attach to. Without the frame, there would be a pile of loose parts. The frame is the

literal “framework” and “skeleton” of the bike. The frame of the dirtbike is like the values I hold.

These values are what I attach myself to, so I have a foundation to stand on. Some of the values I

attach myself to are kindness, respect, honesty, forgiveness, perseverance, and determination.

The frame of the bike also allows the dirtbike to take on the stress of the terrain. Just as a frame

takes on stress, my values allow me to take on challenges life throws my way.

Next is the style of the dirtbike. Dirt bikes come in different sizes and colors. Dirt bikes

are also easily customizable to your own liking. Just like a dirt bike, I am my own unique person

with my own style and personality. My style is who I am as a person; this includes the way I

dress(like decals), but also includes my personality. I have things different about me than anyone
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else on the planet, but also have similarities to many other people. This is just like all the dirt

bikes in the world; many similarities but also differences unique to every bike.

The engine is the cohesion of the dirt bike. Without the engine you have nothing to propel

you forward; all the components of the bike are attached to the engine to make it go forward.

Without the engine the bike has no chance of moving forward. I like to think of this as me being

a follower of Christ. Just as an engine is the centerpiece of the bike, Christ Jesus is who I place at

the center of my life. This is where I find meaning in my life and what creates a sense of

wholeness and purpose. Having wholeness and purpose is like having the most high performing

engine at the center.

Another component of the dirt bike is the suspension. The suspension is the strength of

the bike. The suspension is what allows the bike to take on the bumps and stressors the bike has

to handle. Without the suspension, the ride would be very bumpy and difficult. I like to think of

the suspension as the literal muscles in my body. The muscles in my body allow for me to

function at a higher performance. This directly correlates to my personal health. So a healthy

suspension is like a healthy body. I can handle life without strong muscles, just like you can ride

a dirtbike with a poor suspension, but given the choice, I am going to choose to take care of my

body.

The durability of the dirtbike belongs to the tires. The weight of the bike sits on the tires.

Having durable tires is important so you can endure the terrain. Your tires also need to be durable

for long amounts of time. The durability of the tires determine where you can go. I like to think

of this as my determination and motivation in life. Investing in a strong mindset is just like

investing in durable tires. Having a strong mindset(determination and motivation) allows you to
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achieve what you want in life. Before you go out into the world to pursue what you want, you are

going to need a strong mindset to endure the weight and pressures of life.

Lastly, The throttle is what empowers the dirt bike and the handlebars give it a chance to

move; these two components give the dirt bike direction. The handlebars and throttle are like my

parents. The two work together as the last thing needed to propel the bike forward. I get to direct

my own life just like I steer the dirt bike; I steer with the handlebars and throttle which represent

the foundation my parents have set for my life. The handlebars and throttle also act as a support

for me to grab a hold of; my parents have always been supportive of me and all my brothers.