I strive to be an ideal citizen each day and think it is important for all individuals to do

the same. To some people an ideal citizen is defined by someone who follows the rules and laws
of society. However, I believe a good citizen is defined by a person who contributes to their
surrounding communities in a positive way and takes actions in helping the people around them.
A perfect citizen does not posses just one quality or characteristic. They uphold several values
and live their life continuing to show these through their actions.
Ideal citizens should be respectful, responsible and trustworthy. They know the rules of
society and follow them accordingly and also do not intentionally harm or hurt others. They are
selfless and will put themselves before others when necessary and in times of need. Individuals
who are compassionate and treat everyone with kindness regardless of their background is
known to be ideal.
Additionally, an ideal citizen upholds many values including equality, peace, love, truth,
and concern for the environment. I firmly believe that a person should realize that everyone is
equal regardless of who they are and where they come form. People of society should treat others
the way they would want to be treated and respect their beliefs and opinions. Likewise, a citizen
should choose to live through peace and love. Using hatred and anger will only lead to conflicts
and a chaotic society. Also, the environment we live in is important and should be taken care of
of. Those who respect this and preserve the area around them are considered ideal citizens.
Individuals should live their day to day life upholding all of these values and showing them
through their actions.
All of the values and qualities listed above are imperative for an ideal citizen to have.
However, the actions of individuals and how they display these virtues is important in having a
functioning society. An ideal citizen first must follow and abide by all set rules and laws. Ideal

citizens should believe in doing what is right and therefore, should take actions in standing up for
others in need. This could include helping people who are not financially secure, people who are
being treated unfairly, and people who are ill. Furthermore, they should participate in helping the
community that surrounds them. This can include volunteering at shelters and food pantries,
donating money or clothing, raising money, or even taking part in a race for a cause. It is
important that people of society take action and raise awareness within their communities about
serving and helping others.
My service experience has informed this image I have of an ideal citizen. Going to a
public library where many people of different ages, race, gender and ethnicity come to learn and
acquire knowledge has really shown me that all people are the same. Everyone has goals,
whether big or small, that they want to achieve in life. It is important to have citizens available to
help the people who do not have the financial capabilities to get access to resources like these at
home. Being a volunteer at the library helped me realize that in order to make a change in
society, it is important to really go out into your own community that you live in and see what
individuals need help with. You have to do more than just say I am going to help and actually
take part in making a better society.
All of these actions and initiatives can start a chain reaction and create a stable
community. An ideal citizen is way more than just a person who does what is right. An ideal
citizen is willing to take a stand in society and make positive changes that will benefit not only
the needy, but the rest of society. An ideal citizen is a role model who goes above and beyond
their civic duties and really engages themselves in helping make this world a better place.