Nine weeks - nine weeks was all we had to find something we're passionate about, gather information about that passion, contact an expert in that field to be our mentor, make a stretch, and actually apply it. It hasn't been easy, it's been a long and strenuous road with many pot holes and cracks that stopped me in my tracks. But along the way I've come to realize a lot about who I am as a student, who I am as a person. Throughout this whole process of weeks of "military training", mental and phyisical stress, and a quick self-evaluation, I can finally say that through it all I've somehow come to realize my true passions that I would like to pursue. This was a big learning process that, for us, was probably the most challenging project we've faced in our past two years of high school.
School is a topic that every student dreads talking about, especially if its about high school. Normally, we all complain about the assignments we're given by teachers who we feel are "unfair". Sometimes we feel that what we learn is irrelevant and we won't need any of it when we're older. So, if what we learn in school is mostly nonsense, then why do we need to be in school? Isn't it just a waste of our time? I beg to differ. I, myself, complain just like the rest but I don't believe that school is unnecessary. In fact, I think that high school education is most important, even when at times what we learn seem unimportant. Soon enough, we'll realize that what we thought was nonsense was actually really helpful. Coming out of high school we'll know the history of the world, hundreds of mathematical equations, proper grammar, and even how to stay healthy. We come to realize what our strengths and weaknesses are as learners and what our interests may be.
As a learner, I can be very lazy and have the tendency to procrastinate often. Sometimes it's hard for me to be engaged in what I'm learning because I have very little interest in the topic. Taking these weaknesses, I needed to find a way to improve them, find some kind of motivation. What really pushed and drove me to the end was my self-determination to know and realize what I want to get out of life. I mentally pushed myself to get this project done by being present at all the drill practices, obtaining the research I needed, and staying in contact with my mentors. I was anxious to find this part of me through this project because it determined what kind of person I am and will soon become. The skill of a self-determined learner will help me in the future as I face many obstacles and hardships that will knock me down. My determination and perseverance are what will boost me up again and keep me moving forward.
What is a passion? What does it truly mean to be passionate about something? I once thought I knew the answer to both of these questions, but Project Icarus has made me rethink and reevaluate my future endeavors. According to the dictionary, a passion is "a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything." My personal definition is an ambition or meaningful goal a person has that not everyone understands, but gives the person true happiness and fulfills even their wildest dreams. To be passionate about something is to have a set mind and heart on what you want, have the drive to do whatever it takes to get it and be truly satisfied in the end. In the bigger picture, I realize that my true passion is to serve, help and be there for others. I love when people feel like they can depend on me and come to me for any reason at all because they can trust me. My future ambition of becoming an Air Force officer would give me the privilege to do what I love most and turn that into a career. Those who have a career in a field that is what they love doing, they are truly happy in life.
Even though this project has given me many headaches and worries, I appreciate the chance to be a part of it because I've come to understand my true self and ambitions. I realize my strengths, my weaknesses, and my interests as a learner. I know that I will never stop learning - life is full of lessons I have yet to come across. But I now have the tools I need to get a jump start on the path to my future and hopefully fulfill my passions that I've come to realize.
