"what exactly do you respect about the profession"

I respect my fellow crewmember that has busted balls to get here.
I respect my fellow crewmember that busts ball every year to stay here.
I respect those who have sacrificed before me to make this a great career.
I respect those with more experience than me, as they show me the way.
I respect my F/O who tries his darndest to keep me out of trouble.
I respect what it takes to persevere and succeed in the biz.
I respect those who bring the best they have to the game and don't quit under pressure.

I could go on.

Once again, if you don't respect the profession, you don't belong in the biz.