How does one know what the right thing is to do without the proper guidance of a teacher and how does a leader know what is wise? The Rotary Four-Way Test asks four questions that should be considered before doing anything that seems rash; does it support the truth, is it fair to others, is it done out of goodwill, and will it benefit others. My family and I live in Holly by the Sea and though I don't ask myself these questions very often, II'd like to think that when I do, it positively affects my life and the lives of my family around me. The best place to start using the Four-Way Test is at home.

The TruthThe truth is the most vital part of the Four-Way Test, and the most used of all four. If you don't tell the truth, all will stop listening to you and the trust disappears. Lies are a temporary fix to problems and the truth is always revealed, hurting more than it helped. I've lied to my parents a few times about school work and what I'm doing on the computer, so now Dad peeks his head in to make sure I'm working, and not watching Youtube. Think of it this way, trust is like a grade. For every time you tell the truth you get an A, but every time you tell a lie you get an F. On top of that, you have to set the example for the younger children. When I am truthful, it convinces my parents I am maturing and that can get me privileges like getting to ride my bike farther than normal, or getting to stay home alone.

FairnessFairness is a term used daily around the world. Kids use it when something they see as