24 Unit 1 Reaching Your Potential
choices and the various industries or businesses
that provide job opportunities. Schools with good
teaching staffs, facilities, and programs offer quality
education. Parks and recreation programs attract
families with children.
Other community resources also infl uence
the lives of residents. Clean air, water, and streets
provide a healthful environment. A low crime rate
makes residents feel more secure and protected. A
variety of shopping facilities offer convenience and
choices for obtaining needed goods and services.
Opportunities to increase knowledge are provided
by libraries as well as by technical colleges and
universities. Various religious institutions serve
people of different beliefs. A resource-rich com-
munity inspires young people to stay and build a
life for themselves and their families.
The Infl uence of Technology
Technology is a powerful element in today’s
environment. It infl uences every aspect of life.
Technology, the practical application of knowledge,
usually involves the development or use of special
tools or processes to solve problems.
Look around you—technology is part of your
everyday world. New technologies infl uence the
food you eat, the clothes you wear, the car you
drive, and the work you do. Communication tech-
nologies can affect your personal growth and
relationships.
Today’s technology allows workers, students,
and family members to manage day-to-day tasks
more conveniently. It provides various learning
and entertainment options and instant communi-
cation with others. Because of technology, fewer
people work at labor-intense jobs, and more are
living longer. These effects are generally considered
very positive.
What are the benefits of staying in your home
community after completing your education? Are
there any drawbacks?
The Infl uence of Religious Beliefs
Your family’s religious beliefs infl uence your
outlook on life and your guidelines for living.
These beliefs address important life-and-death
questions, such as: What is the purpose of life?
What should you try to accomplish in life? How
should you live your life? What happens when
you die?
Associating with others with the same religious
beliefs and being an active member of a religious
community are often an important part of a per-
son’s environment (Figure 1.17). Religious beliefs
can provide meaning and direction to a person’s
life. The fact that many people hold different
beliefs makes it important to be respectful of such
differences in the larger society.
The Infl uence of the Community
The community in which you live is part of
your environment. Many different types of com-
munities exist, ranging from small towns to big
cities. Each community has a particular infl uence
on its residents. A community may infl uence the
jobs people hold, the friends they make, and the
activities they join.
The community environment is infl uenced by
the resources available, such as affordable housing
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Figure 1.17 Religious beliefs can impact a family’s
values.
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