"Vires, Artes, Mores" or "Strength, Skill, Character" has been the guiding philosophy behind Florida State Seminoles for over one hundred years. Through personal introspection, I have come to understand how I too embody a strong balance of these values.
"Vires" is looked upon as strength of any kind. Physical strengths are obvious to all, mine being the four years i was able to enjoy playing soccer. Hidden to some but apparent to many is the intellectual strength. Through hard work I have managed to maintain a 4.1 GPA through an extensive list of high level courses and was voted Vice President of my National Honor Society Chapter. My most cherished strength however, and the one that is not always recognized in people, comes morally. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by a loving group of family and friends that taught me 'the ropes' of life. Through them I have grown up engrained with respect, pride, and knowing the fine line between right and wrong.
The word "Artes" refers to the beauty personified in skill, craft, or art. This is one of my obvious advantages. Not only have i had multiple art pieces displayed in showcases, but seven years of instrumental practices has opened my eyes to worlds of splendor. The task of learning multiple instruments along with the influence of different directors has taught me to appreciate the power music holds within it's lines. I have witnessed first hand music's ability to bring it's players together and inspire those who hear it. Whether it's literature, visual art, or music, art is the one thing that connects the far reaches of the world, the embodiment of true beauty.
The greatest thing that my high school experience has given me would be related with the word "Mores". It refers to character, custom or tradition. My best example; a large portion of the last three years of my life has been spent with my school's marching band. For the latter two of those years, being Drum Major, they have been under my direction. Being a competitive band, it has required an unnatural amount of dedication and presented me with a load of responsibility that can be overwhelming. However stressful it gets though, it has given me way too much to ever abandon it. The program has not only provided me with a second family and endless memories, it has exposed me to countless traditions, given me a heightened level of pride in my school, a new found confidence, and a self-discipline that carries over into virtually every area of my life.
Florida State University is a school built on tradition, academic and athletic excellence, and community. It's where students are the manifestation of the values "Vires, Artes, Mores". I believe I too have found these balanced within my life and would be proud to call myself a Florida State Seminole.
