Garrett was given the assignment to interview someone "unique" on campus.
When you go to a religious university in a small town, the diversity just isn't really there.
Finding someone unique could be a problem.
He sent me his ROUGH draft.
I thought I'd share.
THE MAN BEHIND THE COUNTER
Apparently he knew me from somewhere. Standing across the counter with a soft, friendly voice the Asian man asked me what I wanted on my salad. After handing me my order, he mentioned that he remembered me from the Ping Pong tournament. I’m pretty good with faces, but he had me this time. Since he was at the ping pong tournament, I figured he liked to play and asked him if he would like to play sometime. I got his number and put it in my phone, along with his name: Denis.
As we played ping pong at my apartment, the conversation flowed naturally. He seemed like the average BYU-Idaho student. However, the more we talked, the more I found that he was not at all “typical” and his life did not mirror the average student’s life at all.
Denis Tang was born and raised in Hong Kong, China and his childhood was pretty typical for China. But his entire life’s course changed when the missionaries tracted him out. Rather than following the family norm and remaining Buddhist, albeit non-practicing, he ended up breaking away, and converting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Denis delayed telling his family about his devotion to his new church. of He hid his new religion, but they got the idea when he chose to serve a mission a little over a year after his baptism.
His family was not happy about his decision and did not offer any kind of emotional or financial support. He mde his own arrangements and prepared for his mission alone. Upon returning with honor from his mission in Salt Lake City, he only stayed home for a year until he decided to continue his education. Denis had previously received his associates’ degree in Hong Kong coincidently offered by The University of Utah. Already having an associate’s degree and being a member of the Church, helped him get into Brigham Young University- Idaho.
Leaving behind his family and much of his traditional Chinese culture, Denis packed his bags and headed BYU-I. Today, Denis studies communications with a purpose; he intends to build his international connections.
Besides taking 14 credits, Denis manages to fit 18 hours of work into his schedule as well, and excels in both. Often, Denis’s homework carries over to the weekends. However, this doesn’t discourage him or hinder his dedication to school, his job, or church service. Denis manages to get it all done.
Serving others has always been a priority to Denis. Before his conversion to the Church, he wanted to become a Priest because it involved helping others. While Denis is unsure of his future profession, he wants a career helping others. A benefit Denis believes he brings to the table, when it comes to helping others, is the perspective he has. He believes that people can learn from his life and decision to value dedication. His choices to convert to the Church, serve a mission, and further his education can illustrate to his peers the value of independently being proactive, even without a family backing. Denis proves to be an example of allowing himself to follow his heart and make difficult choices. This trait is special because Denis is able to help his peers appreciate the fact that they have the Church and are at BYUI obtaining an education. People like Denis Tang who have sacrificed so much to join the Church, get to America and work for an education, help others appreciate these things so much more.
The educational system in America inspired Denis to study in here rather than in China. He felt that education in Hong Kong was more competitive and less about giving back to society. The fact that the choice to pick our educational path is a freedom Denis believes America offers that schools in China do not provide. Denis recognizes this advantage and encourages those around him to be grateful to have such choices. Denis finds himself at an advantage among his peers because he believes that American students tend to have a lower appreciation for their teachers. Since he grew up being held to a higher standard of respect for education and teachers, Denis has an edge among his peers which shows in an increase of dedication towards his schooling and academic achievement.
Perhaps the uniqueness of Denis Tang is not the fact that he is from Hong Kong, but all that lies behind his story: his drive, his courage, his sacrifice. When one meets Denis, they find that he is a down-to-earth guy, but when one finds out his whole story, they find he his inspiring. Denis completely re-wrote his future when he discovered the Church as young adult. Denis Tang’s story helps us appreciate things we take for granted. A student with the feeling of entitlement can be reminded that there are people out there who gave up family and a culture to have the Church and be at BYUI receiving an education. His life inspires people to find their path in life, and to follow it. When someone acts as if they are entitled to an education, I think of Denis and what he left behind. Personally, Denis makes me thankful for the fact that I had the support to get where I am today and at the same time, I respect people like him who independently have the will power to make the right decisions in life without much aid of others. I respect the fact that he has independently chosen to do the right thing even when it was hard.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
NO BLOGGING TODAY
Today, will not be a day spent at or near the computer.
It just won't.
I was conducting a meeting last night that I knew would go long. And the longer the meeting went, the more work, I realized I had to do.
I wanted to get home because I have another important meeting tonight and have a lot to do to get ready.
I walked through the door at 9:30 to a message to call the seminary teacher.
He needed me to subsitute.
So I "quickly" prepared a 45 minute lesson to keep 24 teenagers enthralled at 6 am and went to bed.
That went well.
I got home at 7 am and then my friend dropped off her 22 month old while she goes to the hospital for an amniocentesis on Baby #2.
She'll pick the baby up at 1 and I'll get ready for the Pioneer Trek Meeting.
Then my 22 month old friend will come to spend the night while her mom is induced.
Brian and I will go to our Pioneer Trek Meeting and call it a night.
Woo Hoo Wednesday.
Who would have thought it would be this exciting!?!
And you know, people sometimes ask me what I do all day.
Never a dull moment!
It just won't.
I was conducting a meeting last night that I knew would go long. And the longer the meeting went, the more work, I realized I had to do.
I wanted to get home because I have another important meeting tonight and have a lot to do to get ready.
I walked through the door at 9:30 to a message to call the seminary teacher.
He needed me to subsitute.
So I "quickly" prepared a 45 minute lesson to keep 24 teenagers enthralled at 6 am and went to bed.
That went well.
I got home at 7 am and then my friend dropped off her 22 month old while she goes to the hospital for an amniocentesis on Baby #2.
She'll pick the baby up at 1 and I'll get ready for the Pioneer Trek Meeting.
Then my 22 month old friend will come to spend the night while her mom is induced.
Brian and I will go to our Pioneer Trek Meeting and call it a night.
Woo Hoo Wednesday.
Who would have thought it would be this exciting!?!
And you know, people sometimes ask me what I do all day.
Never a dull moment!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD
WooHoo!
It's Tuesday.
I don't know why I get so excited about Tuesdays.
Oh yes I do!
It's RaNDoM THouGHT TueSDaY and I feel justified in my ADD!
* I know that you all were probably standing outside your favorite video game retailer at midnight.
Who isn't dying to get their hands on Call of Duty: Black Ops.
I hate video games, but I am the best mom in the whole world.
And now, I will pay the price by being extremely tired ALL day.
* I'm starting the Thanksgiving Countdown!
Not counting down until Turkey but counting down until everyone gets here.
Garrett gets home in 12 days.
Trammell gets home in 15 days.
And my friend, Allen gets here in 17 days (Thanksgiving morning).
I have NEVER been THIS excited about Thanksgiving!
* Will I EVER get tired of Garrett calling me to report that he got a 100% on his most recent test?
He's turned into a college brainiac.
College suits him.
I should have sent him there years ago! ;)
* I spoke to my parents last week on the phone. They are on a mission in Rome, Italy.
Their Magic Jack wasn't so magic and we were getting every third word.
In 20 m inutes, here is what we heard:
Trip to...... city names
Amalfi coast
Bus
Sandwich for dinner
Bus stopped
Everyone off the bus
Going no further
Very dark
Steep drop off
Fell down
Holding hands with a street walker
Car wreck
Dead girl
Huh? I had to call my brother and he supplied a few more words.
Everyone (except the dead girl) is fine.
* Saturday conversation:
Parker: "Mom, can I shoot the pumpkins with a pellet gun?"
Me: "No!"
Parker: "Can I smash them?"
Me: "No!"
Parker: "But Halloween is over. Can't I smash them?"
Me: "No! They aren't Halloween pumpkins. They are harvest decorations. We're leaving them up for Thanksgiving!"
* Sunday morning, I went outside to get the paper.
When I walked back up the driveway, I noticed the front porch looked a little barren.
There were the two big pots of mums and...........
wait a minute.......
wasn't there something else on the porch?
THE PUMPKINS!
Where were the pumpkins.
I went down in the basement and shook Parker awake.
"Did you shoot the pumpkins?"
"Huh? What?
"Did you shoot my pumpkins?"
"What? No."
"What did you do to them? Did you smash them?"
"No. I didn't touch the pumpkins."
We found the pumpkins on the way to church.
Someone had gone through the neighborhood and collected A LOT of pumpkins and smashed them in an intersection.
It looked like it was pretty fun.
But I wanted my pumpkins back.
I hope you got more sleep than I did, are looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your pumpkins aren't smashed all over the road!
HaPPY TueSDaY!
Gina
It's Tuesday.
I don't know why I get so excited about Tuesdays.
Oh yes I do!
It's RaNDoM THouGHT TueSDaY and I feel justified in my ADD!
Go on over and see Keely at The Un Mom and join in the fun. She's so nice, she'll let everyone link up!
* I know that you all were probably standing outside your favorite video game retailer at midnight.
Who isn't dying to get their hands on Call of Duty: Black Ops.
I hate video games, but I am the best mom in the whole world.
And now, I will pay the price by being extremely tired ALL day.
* I'm starting the Thanksgiving Countdown!
Not counting down until Turkey but counting down until everyone gets here.
Garrett gets home in 12 days.
Trammell gets home in 15 days.
And my friend, Allen gets here in 17 days (Thanksgiving morning).
I have NEVER been THIS excited about Thanksgiving!
* Will I EVER get tired of Garrett calling me to report that he got a 100% on his most recent test?
He's turned into a college brainiac.
College suits him.
I should have sent him there years ago! ;)
* I spoke to my parents last week on the phone. They are on a mission in Rome, Italy.
Their Magic Jack wasn't so magic and we were getting every third word.
In 20 m inutes, here is what we heard:
Trip to...... city names
Amalfi coast
Bus
Sandwich for dinner
Bus stopped
Everyone off the bus
Going no further
Very dark
Steep drop off
Fell down
Holding hands with a street walker
Car wreck
Dead girl
Huh? I had to call my brother and he supplied a few more words.
Everyone (except the dead girl) is fine.
* Saturday conversation:
Parker: "Mom, can I shoot the pumpkins with a pellet gun?"
Me: "No!"
Parker: "Can I smash them?"
Me: "No!"
Parker: "But Halloween is over. Can't I smash them?"
Me: "No! They aren't Halloween pumpkins. They are harvest decorations. We're leaving them up for Thanksgiving!"
* Sunday morning, I went outside to get the paper.
When I walked back up the driveway, I noticed the front porch looked a little barren.
There were the two big pots of mums and...........
wait a minute.......
wasn't there something else on the porch?
THE PUMPKINS!
Where were the pumpkins.
I went down in the basement and shook Parker awake.
"Did you shoot the pumpkins?"
"Huh? What?
"Did you shoot my pumpkins?"
"What? No."
"What did you do to them? Did you smash them?"
"No. I didn't touch the pumpkins."
We found the pumpkins on the way to church.
Someone had gone through the neighborhood and collected A LOT of pumpkins and smashed them in an intersection.
It looked like it was pretty fun.
But I wanted my pumpkins back.
I hope you got more sleep than I did, are looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving and that your pumpkins aren't smashed all over the road!
HaPPY TueSDaY!
Gina
Monday, November 8, 2010
Just Another Manic Monday
Thanks to the Bangles -
"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday"
Yep it's Monday and it's going to be a busy week.
* Call of Duty - Black Ops comes out tonight at midnight.
Now THAT'S a priority.
I hate video games! They are so stupid.
The last one I played was Tetris.
But Parker thinks it's important.
* Lacrosse Board Meeting on Tuesday.
Should be interesting since our coach got fired.
Yep, should be interesting.
* Going to lunch with my Visiting Teaching ladies.
They are both 70 or so.
They'll kill me if I say they are 70 and they are only 69, but I'm pretty sure it's early 70's!
They have birthdays within a month of each other, so we're splitting the difference and going out to Mexican.
* Going to an ultrasound with a friend.
* Watching said friend's baby while she has an amniocentesis.
* Mailing a package to my parents in Italy.
* First Stake Pioneer Trek Meeting.
WooHoo!
The whole point of the meeting is to share the itinerary with the various committee heads, so they can figure out what they need to do.
Since the itinerary has been changed 9 times, I better get cracking on the polished copy so we have something to share!
* Babysit my friend's 22 month old while she is induced (at the same time as the Pioneer Trek meeting).
* Work at the temple.
* Wait around for the repair man to come repair my oven.
Oh, I'll probably do some laundry, go grocery shopping, run other errands, make some cookies and cook a meal sometime this week too.
Admit it. You're jealous!
I mean, who wouldn't be???
This week is going to be an exciting one!
If you want, you can come over and hang out and we'll iron sheets!
Enjoy your Monday!
"It's just another manic Monday
I wish it was Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday"
Yep it's Monday and it's going to be a busy week.
* Call of Duty - Black Ops comes out tonight at midnight.
Now THAT'S a priority.
I hate video games! They are so stupid.
The last one I played was Tetris.
But Parker thinks it's important.
* Lacrosse Board Meeting on Tuesday.
Should be interesting since our coach got fired.
Yep, should be interesting.
* Going to lunch with my Visiting Teaching ladies.
They are both 70 or so.
They'll kill me if I say they are 70 and they are only 69, but I'm pretty sure it's early 70's!
They have birthdays within a month of each other, so we're splitting the difference and going out to Mexican.
* Going to an ultrasound with a friend.
* Watching said friend's baby while she has an amniocentesis.
* Mailing a package to my parents in Italy.
* First Stake Pioneer Trek Meeting.
WooHoo!
The whole point of the meeting is to share the itinerary with the various committee heads, so they can figure out what they need to do.
Since the itinerary has been changed 9 times, I better get cracking on the polished copy so we have something to share!
* Babysit my friend's 22 month old while she is induced (at the same time as the Pioneer Trek meeting).
* Work at the temple.
* Wait around for the repair man to come repair my oven.
Oh, I'll probably do some laundry, go grocery shopping, run other errands, make some cookies and cook a meal sometime this week too.
Admit it. You're jealous!
I mean, who wouldn't be???
This week is going to be an exciting one!
If you want, you can come over and hang out and we'll iron sheets!
Enjoy your Monday!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Dear Katie
Dear Katie -
I do not know you.
But you know me.
You commented on my blog the other day..........for the first time in 2 years.
I know. There are others out there who read everyday and don't comment.
But, I'm glad you commented.
And your short comment made me cry.
You said that you are leaving on a mission next Wednesday.
Missions are close to my heart and bring tender feelings to the surface.
So I wanted to write you.
I wanted to tell you some things.
Katie, you are doing the right thing!
You will be the best missionary!
How do I know?
Because you get to choose what you want to do in your life.
You could have chosen so many other things -
like finish college,
date,
meet the man of your dreams,
get married,
get a "real" job and start a "real" life.
But you didn't.
You chose to put all of that "on hold" and go on a mission!
That says a lot about you.
You are willing to sacrifice your time and your own money to go talk to strangers (some of whom won't be very nice.)
You are willing to sacrifice your own comfort (the days will be long, the weather won't always be comfortable, you will live with people you don't know and sometimes don't like that much.)
You are willing to work hard (because missionary work is WORK and the hours are long.)
You are willing do this because you love the Lord, want to share the happiness the Gospel brings, and you have your own testimony to share.
I admire you.
I applaud you.
I know that your mission will bring you increased knowledge and testimony, growth, happiness and an experience that cannot be replicated by any other.
You have faith that all of the things you put on hold will be accomplished when you get back. And they will!
Your life will be forever changed (for the better) because of your sacrifice, service and faith.
So Katie, even though I don't know you, I wish you the very best.
And believe it or not, I will think about you and hope that you are well!
Love,
Gina
I do not know you.
But you know me.
You commented on my blog the other day..........for the first time in 2 years.
I know. There are others out there who read everyday and don't comment.
But, I'm glad you commented.
And your short comment made me cry.
You said that you are leaving on a mission next Wednesday.
Missions are close to my heart and bring tender feelings to the surface.
So I wanted to write you.
I wanted to tell you some things.
Katie, you are doing the right thing!
You will be the best missionary!
How do I know?
Because you get to choose what you want to do in your life.
You could have chosen so many other things -
like finish college,
date,
meet the man of your dreams,
get married,
get a "real" job and start a "real" life.
But you didn't.
You chose to put all of that "on hold" and go on a mission!
That says a lot about you.
You are willing to sacrifice your time and your own money to go talk to strangers (some of whom won't be very nice.)
You are willing to sacrifice your own comfort (the days will be long, the weather won't always be comfortable, you will live with people you don't know and sometimes don't like that much.)
You are willing to work hard (because missionary work is WORK and the hours are long.)
You are willing do this because you love the Lord, want to share the happiness the Gospel brings, and you have your own testimony to share.
I admire you.
I applaud you.
I know that your mission will bring you increased knowledge and testimony, growth, happiness and an experience that cannot be replicated by any other.
You have faith that all of the things you put on hold will be accomplished when you get back. And they will!
Your life will be forever changed (for the better) because of your sacrifice, service and faith.
So Katie, even though I don't know you, I wish you the very best.
And believe it or not, I will think about you and hope that you are well!
Love,
Gina
Friday, November 5, 2010
Let's Get the Party Started!
* Oh yeah! It's Friday!
I'm ready to rock.
I'm ready to party* like it's 1999 or 2012 or whatever.
You know who else likes to party?
Mrs 4444.
It's true. And she'll party with just about anyone.
Get on over to Half Past Kissin' Time and see for yourself!
* Lil' Wayne just got out of Rykers late Wednesday night.
I can't wait to hear the music that he didn't write in jail because you KNOW that he followed the judges orders to NOT have ANYTHING to do with music while servin time.
Okay, so he did get busted when they found headphones in his cell. But they weren't conected to anything.
They were JUST the headphones.
So, get ready for "Jailhouse Rock" or "Songs from the Block" or some other prisony sounding album!
* Before I party, I should probably clean out the Trunk or Treat decorations and Halloween candy out of the way back of my car.
Hey, don't judge.
I got home from the Trunk or Treat party at 9 pm Saturday and still had to pack and clean the house.
We got up and went to two churches and then drove to Utah (not in the Trunk or Treat vehicle).
So yeah, there are two giant spiders, glow in the dark fabric and a cauldron full of candy back there.
* Hmmmm......people have been talking to me like I am 3.
Trammell and I were driving to his doctor's appointment.
He was driving. I was staring out the window counting how many tattoo shops we passed.
(This was on State Street from Provo to American Fork in Utah)
Me: "Oooooo........there's a kickboxing place! Do you think I should take a kickboxing or a pole dancing class."
Trammell: Staring straight ahead - "I'm sure you'll do well in whichever one you decide."
* Another example -
I was driving home from the Scout office that is 45 minutes away for the SECOND time in a week.
It was very frustrating. My 10 year stint in scouting has been extremely frustrating so I did what any normal person would do.
I phoned a friend!
Me: "Blah, blah, rant, rant, blah, blah...........and just let me say: I AM bitter and I will ALWAYS HATE, in capital letters, Scouting."
Margaret: "Well, that sounds both very mature and rational."
What are these people saying?
Are they humoring me?
* Congrats to Tiny Baby!
He passed his Eagle Board of Review last night with flying colors.
You know what that means?
WE ARE DONE WITH SCOUTS.
Hey, despite what I said above, I'm not saying "we are done with scouts" with bitterness.
Really.
I'm just saying that it's something we can cross of our list of things that have to be done.
We can quite worrying about missing blue cards, required badges, merit badge colleges, getting things signed off and lost books.
Just sayin'!
* I'm kind of suffering from "Holiday Confusion Syndrome."
You know.
Where you're debating about shellacking a cornucopia and sheaves of wheat with glitter or just moving on to putting out the Christmas village and throwing up the garland so that it's one less thing you have to do on Black Friday.
I'm so torn.
Decorate for Thanksgiving or let the guests eat amongst pine needles?
Well, I'm going to go decorate something for some holiday.
You know, Veteran's Day is next week!
Maybe I should get out some red, white and blue bunting.
Have a great weekend!
Gina
* When I say "party," I'm talking about doing really wild and crazy stuff like going to Costco, eating out, making popcorn and getting on my bed to watch "Say Yes to the Dress" at 6:45. Because I know how to party!
I'm ready to rock.
I'm ready to party* like it's 1999 or 2012 or whatever.
Mrs 4444.
It's true. And she'll party with just about anyone.
Get on over to Half Past Kissin' Time and see for yourself!
* Lil' Wayne just got out of Rykers late Wednesday night.
I can't wait to hear the music that he didn't write in jail because you KNOW that he followed the judges orders to NOT have ANYTHING to do with music while servin time.
Okay, so he did get busted when they found headphones in his cell. But they weren't conected to anything.
They were JUST the headphones.
So, get ready for "Jailhouse Rock" or "Songs from the Block" or some other prisony sounding album!
* Before I party, I should probably clean out the Trunk or Treat decorations and Halloween candy out of the way back of my car.
Hey, don't judge.
I got home from the Trunk or Treat party at 9 pm Saturday and still had to pack and clean the house.
We got up and went to two churches and then drove to Utah (not in the Trunk or Treat vehicle).
So yeah, there are two giant spiders, glow in the dark fabric and a cauldron full of candy back there.
* Hmmmm......people have been talking to me like I am 3.
Trammell and I were driving to his doctor's appointment.
He was driving. I was staring out the window counting how many tattoo shops we passed.
(This was on State Street from Provo to American Fork in Utah)
Me: "Oooooo........there's a kickboxing place! Do you think I should take a kickboxing or a pole dancing class."
Trammell: Staring straight ahead - "I'm sure you'll do well in whichever one you decide."
* Another example -
I was driving home from the Scout office that is 45 minutes away for the SECOND time in a week.
It was very frustrating. My 10 year stint in scouting has been extremely frustrating so I did what any normal person would do.
I phoned a friend!
Me: "Blah, blah, rant, rant, blah, blah...........and just let me say: I AM bitter and I will ALWAYS HATE, in capital letters, Scouting."
Margaret: "Well, that sounds both very mature and rational."
What are these people saying?
Are they humoring me?
* Congrats to Tiny Baby!
He passed his Eagle Board of Review last night with flying colors.
You know what that means?
WE ARE DONE WITH SCOUTS.
Hey, despite what I said above, I'm not saying "we are done with scouts" with bitterness.
Really.
I'm just saying that it's something we can cross of our list of things that have to be done.
We can quite worrying about missing blue cards, required badges, merit badge colleges, getting things signed off and lost books.
Just sayin'!
* I'm kind of suffering from "Holiday Confusion Syndrome."
You know.
Where you're debating about shellacking a cornucopia and sheaves of wheat with glitter or just moving on to putting out the Christmas village and throwing up the garland so that it's one less thing you have to do on Black Friday.
I'm so torn.
Decorate for Thanksgiving or let the guests eat amongst pine needles?
Well, I'm going to go decorate something for some holiday.
You know, Veteran's Day is next week!
Maybe I should get out some red, white and blue bunting.
Have a great weekend!
Gina
* When I say "party," I'm talking about doing really wild and crazy stuff like going to Costco, eating out, making popcorn and getting on my bed to watch "Say Yes to the Dress" at 6:45. Because I know how to party!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Fly Like an EAGLE
Tonight, Parker has his Eagle Scout Board of Review.
It's the culmination of several years of hard work.
He has 5 notebooks that each contain about 100 pages explaining how he planned his Eagle project, ehat he did and how it turned out - complete with pictures.
He has his Eagle Scout Application filled out and "certified" by the scout office.
He has a list of leadership positions and honors he has earned.
But the sweetest page is Eagle Requirement #6 - Life Ambitions.
The Life Ambition requirement is somewhat open ended.
There is no "wrong" answer.
It simply states, "Attach to this application a statement of your amibitions and life purpose."
Hmmm....what would a 15 or 16 or 17 year old write?
Most of them don't know what they want to be when they grow up.
Most of them don't know where they want to go to college.
And that's not bad. It's pretty young to have a real ambition besides getting a season ski pass or making it to another level of a video game.
So when I offered to make all the copies for Parker to put together his Eagle notebooks,
I couldn't help but stop and read
Requirement #6 - Life Ambitions
"At the point in life I am right now, I have many goals and ambitions. My many experiences have given me reason to set high goals. Based on the successful individuals around me, I have set my own ambitions to become a “successful” person that will be able to support myself as well as my future family. I plan to become the person I hav e strived to be by fulfilling my life’s ambitions.
My religion plays a large role in my life and many of my ambitions involve fulfilling my religious goals. Upon graduating high school, I plan to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, a major religious university. I plan to attend BYU for a year and a half and then serve a mission for my church for two years. Serving a mission is an ambition to me because it is a commandment from my Heavenly Father. I believe in fulfilling my duty to God, so I am willing to give up two years in order to serve. The happiness that my church has brought to me has been my inspiration to serve a mission. I wish to serve a mission in order to spread my Savior’s gospel and bring the happiness that I feel to others.
Another religious goal of mine is to be worthily married to a wife in the temple. I plan to raise and support a family and be together for all eternity. I wish to be a righteous priesthood holder that will raise a family through love and support.
After complet9ing my7 education at BYU, I plan to maintain a stable career in which I can support my family. I have not yet decided what I wish to do for work, but I have an interest in business, culinary arts and medicine.
A current ambition that I hope to achieve is to see that the service my Eagle project has rendered continues to be offered to the people of Cambodia through the non-profit organization that has been founded. My brother and I plan to continue to serve in Cambodia each year with service much greater than what I have been able to do with my project."
He has 5 notebooks that each contain about 100 pages explaining how he planned his Eagle project, ehat he did and how it turned out - complete with pictures.
He has a list of leadership positions and honors he has earned.
But the sweetest page is Eagle Requirement #6 - Life Ambitions.
The Life Ambition requirement is somewhat open ended.
There is no "wrong" answer.
It simply states, "Attach to this application a statement of your amibitions and life purpose."
Hmmm....what would a 15 or 16 or 17 year old write?
Most of them don't know what they want to be when they grow up.
Most of them don't know where they want to go to college.
And that's not bad. It's pretty young to have a real ambition besides getting a season ski pass or making it to another level of a video game.
So when I offered to make all the copies for Parker to put together his Eagle notebooks,
I couldn't help but stop and read
Requirement #6 - Life Ambitions
"At the point in life I am right now, I have many goals and ambitions. My many experiences have given me reason to set high goals. Based on the successful individuals around me, I have set my own ambitions to become a “successful” person that will be able to support myself as well as my future family. I plan to become the person I hav e strived to be by fulfilling my life’s ambitions.
My religion plays a large role in my life and many of my ambitions involve fulfilling my religious goals. Upon graduating high school, I plan to attend Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, a major religious university. I plan to attend BYU for a year and a half and then serve a mission for my church for two years. Serving a mission is an ambition to me because it is a commandment from my Heavenly Father. I believe in fulfilling my duty to God, so I am willing to give up two years in order to serve. The happiness that my church has brought to me has been my inspiration to serve a mission. I wish to serve a mission in order to spread my Savior’s gospel and bring the happiness that I feel to others.
Another religious goal of mine is to be worthily married to a wife in the temple. I plan to raise and support a family and be together for all eternity. I wish to be a righteous priesthood holder that will raise a family through love and support.
After complet9ing my7 education at BYU, I plan to maintain a stable career in which I can support my family. I have not yet decided what I wish to do for work, but I have an interest in business, culinary arts and medicine.
A current ambition that I hope to achieve is to see that the service my Eagle project has rendered continues to be offered to the people of Cambodia through the non-profit organization that has been founded. My brother and I plan to continue to serve in Cambodia each year with service much greater than what I have been able to do with my project."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
