Amherst Task Force asks, what is your sense of purpose?
Among the 40 Developmental Assets developed by the Search Institute in Minneapolis is Asset number 39 - A Sense of Purpose. This asset applies when people report that their lives have a sense of purpose.

Why was I born? Why am I here? What's the point? These are all great questions…so why do we usually save them for times when we're frustrated, depressed, or angry at the world? We can also ask them when we're focused, motivated, and feeling good about ourselves. That's when we know we are here for a reason, whatever that reason might be. This month we asked our readers to do just that. Take at look at yourself and try to discover your sense of purpose. The responses are listed below.

Jake, age 13: "The reason I am alive is to find a way to change as many people's lives as possible."

Katie, age 14: "My purpose it to do my best not only as a student athlete, but also as a child, sister and a volunteer for the town."

Rachel, age 14: "I live life the best that I can, to its fullest, and help as many people as I can."

Rebekah, age 14: "My sense of purpose is to do what my parents or teachers tell me to do until I am old enough to make every decision."

Male, age 15: "I am here to live a good, healthy life and by doing that the lives of others will improve."

Lauren, age 15: "I get the strongest sense of purpose when I see smiles on people's faces around me. If I can help people smile more and have a better day, I feel like my life has purpose."

Megan, age 15: "I feel I have purpose because I have a caring, supportive family that has made me a positive and emotionally strong individual. Other adults and friends also give me a sense of purpose by showing that they care about me and support what I do."

Cadie, age 15: "I believe in helping people and making the best out of every moment and everyday. My purpose is to be there for people, listen to them, help them in any way they need it."

Pooja, age 15: "My sense of purpose is to help others, and try to live my life out to its fullest."

Kristen, age 15: "I have purpose in my life because my Mom gave her all so I could have a good life. I owe her so much."

Megan, age 15: "My life does have a sense of purpose because I know that helping others make better decisions and change the way they act is important."

Emily, age 15: "I am who I am because my family has given me support and good values. I feel a sense of purpose when I help others, especially at church."

Maria, age 15: "The reason why my life has a sense of purpose is because I have the strength and ability to stand up for what I believe in and say what is right."

Lindsay, age 16: "I am studying extremely hard in school because I want to live a good life. All that I do now will affect my future. I do not worry what others think about me because I want to make myself happy."

Lauren, age 16: "My purpose in life is to utilize my blessings in a beneficial way to help the less fortunate. My ultimate purpose is to assist those who cannot provide for themselves."

Ashley, age 16: "I am one more person that could help make this world a better place. I am a reflection of support that I receive from my friends and family."

Carol, age 16: "My purpose in life is to set an example for my cousin and to be there when she needs advice. My older cousin was there for me when I was the younger one."

Mark, age 16: "My personal sense of purpose is based upon one view, and that is my own, and what I feel is right."

Rachel, age 16: "I try to make it my duty everyday to stay optimistic. I feel kindness and happiness is a chain reaction. If I don't start that chain everyday, who will? I like to know I have made a difference."

Chelsea, age 16: "My purpose is to educate others on the hardships people in our world face. I believe that this is the first step in making change."

Katie, age 16: "My sense of purpose is to make myself, and others, happy and to do what I can to give back to the world."

Sarah, age 16: "The reason why I am who I am, and doing what I am doing, is because of how I feel towards different issues."

Steve, age 18: "How much harder would it be on everyone else if I, as an individual, didn't exist? How would my absence affect the balance of everyone else's lives?"

Katie, age 18: "I love people and absolutely love bringing joy to others. I have a purpose to help make the community a better place, to liven up the spirits of those around me and to make people realize the joy in life and to shine their bright smile as often as possible."

Anna, Williamsville: "A sense of purpose and meaning are most evident when I feel I have had a positive impact upon another person. This can be seen in something as simple as thanking someone for a kindness extended, offering praise for a job well done, or taking time to counsel a friend or listen to a young child's story about their "hit" in a recent baseball game. These small gestures connect me to others and serve as constant remainders that it is not the grand "acts" that fill a life with purpose, but, rather, those everyday moments of compassion that make life worthwhile."

Robin, adult: "My purpose in life has been to set a good example for my children. I chose to stay home and always did volunteer work. My effort has been recently rewarded by watching my daughter take off for Nairobi to do eight weeks of volunteer work."

Your sense of purpose should guide your daily activities and help you feel worthwhile at the end of the day.

If you have an idea for a column topic, send a note to: Amherst Task Force, 4255 Harlem Road, Amherst, N.Y. 14226 or Sally@eccpasa.info.