Character is the indelible mark that determines the only true value of all people and all their work.
The shock of any trauma I think changes your life. It's more acute in the beginning and after a little time you settle back to what you were. However it leaves an indelible mark on your psyche.
My four years in the Marine Corps left me with an indelible understanding of the value of leadership skills.
I feel sorry sometimes for these sportsmen and women who put in just as much effort as the footballers. For example athletes train at least as hard as footballers but have to be happy if they can earn enough to finance a decent education.