Work Ethic from Wise Men
“Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
When it comes to role models, Rebecca Bangayan Ting has grown up with her fair share. Now that she’s a successful businesswoman, she reflects on how she observed different family members living with gusto and the lessons she learned from those elders.
It has been said that modeling has a greater impact than mere talk. We live above a textile store and I grew up watching my papa constantly teaching and admonishing his proteges. Sadly though, my papa had a stroke when I was in college. He was paralyzed and couldn’t speak. However, I’d say that although advice was not directly given to me, I gathered my first career wisdom from Papa’s “teachings.” He not only taught, but he “walked his talk”; that is, to be honest in all your dealings with people in all aspects. This establishes your trustworthiness as a person.
The first career wisdom that was actually imparted to me directly was from my brother Ruben. He saw it fit to “preach” me with “the ethics of being true to your word” since papa wasn’t in the physical condition to do so and he being the big brother and all. Having a “palabra de honor” (word of honor) as they call it is also part and parcel of being honest and establishing your trustworthiness.
Although both pieces of career wisdom from my papa and my brother Ruben were meant to be applied to all aspects of my life, they have translated into my work ethic and have impacted my life a great deal. I am very thankful to my family for equipping me well. It has helped me avoid a lot of pitfalls in my career.
What important values did you pick up from role models in your childhood?
Tags: gusto, living with gusto, living with gusto series, rebecca bangayan ting, work ethic
Betsy Cross
My parents never taught me out loud, just by how they lived.
They taught me the value of having a sense of humor, only say kind things about others, work hard, play a lot, and don’t talk more than you listen.
Thanks, Samantha.
Samantha Bangayan
Your parents sound like amazing role models. =) That last piece of advice, “don’t talk more than you listen,” really resonates with me. =) Thank *you,* Betsy!
Li @ FlashFiction
Great post! We were always given chores from the time we could walk. We didn’t get an allowance – we were taught that everyone has a duty to contribute to the family. (We could earn money by doing “extra” chores like walking the dog, bringing in firewood, etc.) Also, my parents were great readers and instilled in us a love of books. If we asked about a word, we were told to look it up in the dictionary ourselves, and then ask questions if we still didn’t understand. I’m grateful that they taught us the value of family, of doing our part, being responsible, and seeking out information and answers on our own.
Samantha Bangayan
What a great idea to have structure and learn the value of hard work so early on in life, Li. I especially identify with being encouraged to seek out information on my own. It’s been the foundation of my problem solving skills and resourcefulness that continue to be some of my most valued abilities. =)
I’m so glad your parents instilled the love of books and language in you, so you can share that with all of us! =)
Vinny T
We are indeed shaped and influenced by the environment in which we are raised, and lucky are those who have positive role models. You were one of the lucky one, Samantha,.
My mom and Dad were always hardworking and honest people. I think that’s one of the reasons why I try to be the same way in my own life.
Samantha Bangayan
I’ve definitely been lucky and it sounds like you’ve been super lucky too! =) And thank YOU for being a role model, Vinny!
Penelope J.
Rebecca was fortunate to have role models. Children who have parents/elders to guide them and help prepare them for adulthood learn important life skills. My mother wasn’t a role model, my father was absent, and I grew up fending for myself. I developed my work ethic at fourteen when I started teaching English (in Mexico). I always did very well in the work area, but my personal life was undisciplined and chaotic. Later in life I realized that my parents had been role models after all, just not conventional ones, and what they taught me was strength, courage, conviction, how to start over, and to always believe in myself.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I can’t believe how young you were when you started working, Pennie. It’s that independence and strength that has continually served you in life, it seems. =) Just goes to show that we can decide what lessons we’ll learn from those around us and the situations we find ourselves in!