The N.O.V.A. program and principles have become “My roadmap to the path of excellence.”  Some things that the N.O.V.A. program has taught me to avoid are:  drugs, Stage One maturity, gangs, bad music, bad movies, bad video games, and lots more.  None of these things will put me on my path to excellence, so I want to make sure I stay clear from them.  The N.O.V.A. program has taught me to value many things such as, a good education, teachers, good and loyal friends, loving parents, and all other wonderful things in life.  Sometimes I take these blessings for granted, so I was very grateful when I was reminded of all my many gifts.  I am never going to stop being grateful, for these things because they are the things (and people) that help me find and stay on my path to excellence.  Many good lifestyles have been introduced to me through the N.O.V.A. program and I want to take good advantage of them.  One of these lifestyles is living a life of stage Three maturity.  Stage Three maturity is when you do the right things for the right reasons, your decisions are based on good values, you do service and good deeds to others, and forgive them if they wrong you.  When you have Stage Three maturity you have more control of your life because you are able to control your actions and behaviors.  I always want to have Stage Three maturity, and be that kind of person.  Over all, I know that if I just live up to the N.O.V.A. standards, I will become a great person, and maybe even a hero in someone else’s life.