I believe in loyalty. Loyalty is a devotion or allegiance to someone or something and should be expressed in both thought and action. I think of one who shows loyalty as one with strength of character, sound will and someone to be depended upon. People have many things on which they focus their loyalties. In my life, I believe in loyalty to God, country, family, friends and self.

I declared my faith in the Lord when I was 11 years old and I was baptized. I was young, some say too young to make such a commitment. But some of the experiences I had had so early in life made me realize what was important, and I felt the need to make an affirmation of faith. Although I have changed a lot since then, I believe that once a vow is made, it should never be broken. God is one who provides, supports and loves, through the good and the bad, and my declaration and faith is a simple task compared to that.

We live in the greatest nation in the world, and loyalty is something I feel very strongly about in this time of economic and social strife. It is hard when I do not always agree with government policies and politics, but this is still our country, and we must be faithful. I took an oath in September of this year to uphold the Constitution and defend this country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but I know it was the right one. I trust that God is putting me on the right path. It will be challenging, but my declaration to pronounce my loyalty to this country outweighs all of the fear and uncertainty that comes with this vow.

My family and friends are the ones who support, love, guide and help me, through the tough times and the bad times. They are the people for whom I would lay down my life. They may frustrate or anger me at times, but I would do anything for them. They have raised and taught me to be the best that I can be, and I will forever be grateful and loyal to them.

Finally, I believe in being loyal to one’s self. Everyone develops the morals and beliefs that shape their characters throughout life. It is necessary to make the decisions that will benefit me the most in the long run. I have not always made those right decisions, but I pray that I have learned from them, and will forever remain loyal to what I believe to be true and honest.

(Brittany Wzontek is a junior at Mercyhurst majoring in Intelligence Studies with a minor in history. She is originally from Buffalo, NY, and upon graduating will enter service in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant seeking to work in military intelligence. Her favorite things about Mercyhurst are its small, close campus and the uniqueness of the Intelligence Studies program.)