FORT STEWART, Ga. - Values. What are they? Why are they important? Why are we teens always being told that values are something that we don't have?

Allow me to explain what my values are. Mine are Family, love, life and knowledge. The reason why it is so important to know your values is because if you lose everything, it's all you have.

I value Family because that is the one thing that is going to stick with me forever. Your Family is there to protect, raise and counsel you. Although my Family and I don't get along all the time, we stand by one another. I also value Family because no matter what, I will always be surrounded with love.

Love is one of my greatest values and assets. I value love because nothing can stop pure love.

I've seen love allow people to light up as if they were the northern lights lighting up the night sky. In my Family especially, we use it for protection for each other or as medicine to heal each other's emotional pain. Let's face it…love makes life all the more memorable.

I think that life is something that we all kind of value. It has so many mysteries and surprises that we all can enjoy. I value life because it keeps me on my toes. I tell everyone I know that I'm not the type of person to give up my life over foolishness, which is what leads up to my next value and why I say put some knowledge in your life.

I feel that knowledge is something that everyone should value. You can't live your life without having some type of knowledge. Yeah, being street smart is good but it's not going to help you get a job. Knowledge can help you understand your Family, love and life. Think of knowledge as an essential part of life for everything.

There is no getting through today's society without being asked what your values are or what you hold dearest. For all the teens going to, through or out of high school, your values are going to be tested a lot. This is why it is important to know your values.

Your values can also be a very useful tool in life. It can help you find jobs, friends, make connections or even allow you to help people. Values can even help you understand politics. Just think of the two political party arguments as stating what they value and what they don't like about each other's values.

So having said all that, I want to issue a challenge for all teens to find out what they value. Then go out and find out what your friends and Family value. Go ask your grandparent(s), your aunt(s) or uncle(s). Not only will it help you understand yourself better, but it will help your friends and Family understand you.

Most importantly, it can help bring your community closer.