“Circumstances should never alter principles.”
Written in 1895 by Irish novelist, poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, these words have since rung true for centuries—and certainly hold up today.
One way humans are set apart from all other living organisms is by our incorporation of principles. Serving the purpose of shaping our behaviors and making decisions, principles are powerful aspects to our day-to-day and year-to-year living. Though intangible and unseen, it’s our principles that determine our path and yield results.
Many of you have heard us at CalSTA touting our principles; in fact, they are so critical to the work we do, we’ve given them a name: The Core Four. These four are Equity, Safety, Climate Action and Economic Prosperity. Often referred to as our framework, our foundation, our structure—our Core Four priorities are the essence of everything we do. These four ground us and serve as a lighthouse in our efforts to do right by every individual in California.
Though it’s easy to rattle off words about a value system, the true test of one’s principles comes during adversity. In fact, it is during the most challenging times that we must grip tighter than ever to our values and who we are. History provides evidence of this: Frederick Douglass, Victor Frankl, Stephen Hawking, Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln and Marie Curie. These are just a few examples of individuals who stayed true to their principles and their “why,” despite the hand of seemingly insurmountable challenges they were dealt. How did they prevail? Was it luck? Coincidence? Not even close. They understood that, regardless of obstacles, the elixir to success is never loosening the grasp on your purpose.
I’m proud to serve an administration that not only demonstrates this very concept but is blanketed in it. We at CalSTA and our eight transportation departments, boards and commissions do not take for granted the solid force that is built by principles and sustained by California’s unwavering adherence to such values. Every day brings new challenges as well as great gifts; the only consistency we have complete control over is what we hold tight—our convictions...unaltered principles.
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