Having a job for two years now I have learned a couple of things. I know when my boss says I need to do something I get my butt up immediately. Tt doesn't matter if I just sat down, was eating my lunch, or drinking water, I do what he/she asks me to do. I don't sit and ask them why or even talk back to them. But that is how I was raised, to never talk back to authority figures, especially in the work force.

Through having a job I know that working hard is not easy, it takes time and dedication. Now this can apply to anything you set your mind to. Hard-work doesn't just apply to jobs, it applies to academics, sports, etc. But if you think you can go anywhere in life with a bad attitude, and have no dedication to work hard I promise you will not go very far in life. If you think for the slightest second that your boss will allow you to say "no" to them then good luck trying to get a job. But again working hard doesn't apply just to the work force. For instance, if you think in college (talking to high schoolers who think it is hard now) that you can skate by with not turning in assignments, not studying, or going to class, then be prepared to waste every single dime you have spent on your classes. You have to work hard in college, especially if you want to be a part of an organization.

I know with being in a sorority we have a GPA requirement, our leadership team expects us to work hard and earn good grades. If we don't then we have privileges taken away from us. Also, if you think you can never work hard in a sport, then you must not love what you are doing. Hard work is key during sports, you have to put in time for practice, your studies, workouts, etc. The coaches expect 110 percent out of you, and if you don't work hard then be prepared to be benched and never get any playing time.

The reason I am writing about working hard is because I have seen so many people with talent and potential but they give up when it gets tough. When it is tough and you think you can never succeed, you have to be strong and keep telling yourself that no matter what you will work hard, you will put in the time and dedication. If you do that and you do succeed then all your hard work pays off. Yes, it is rigorous, anything you do can be. But it is the way you go about with the rigorous things that will turn your hard work into success.

Also, a final note; this week is the Summer Olympics located in Rio. I highly advice everyone not only to support team USA, but to see the athletes. They have spent years training to represent team USA in the Olympics. This is something everyone dreams about, winning a gold medal and being able to represent their country. However, they worked hard to be representing their country. They put time, dedication, sweat and tears into reaching their goals.

I truly hope some of you will take my words and advice into consideration and really think if you should be putting in some more hard-work.

My picture is of Derek Redmond, he was a sprinter for Team USA in 1992. He qualified with the fastest time in semi-finals. On one of the last turns he tore his hamstring, however, he never gave up. He got back up and started again only seeing the finish line in his sight. He soon was met by a person who ran onto the field to help him, his father. He crossed the finish line with his father beside him. Seeing the video, I was inspired to never give up and not let dreams go.