What Are Your Values?

So my first post was an introduction and I tried to briefly describe myself. It was a failure from the start as trying to make such a description in such a space is impossible. Not to say that my story is any different from yours, but it is difficult to describe a lifetime in a paragraph or two. I digress with lesser words but you get the point right? (if not just pretend you do :P )

This afternoon I had a great honor I was not prepared for. I was asked to give a fellow Eagle Scout his Eagle Charge. For those who do not know much of the "Eagle Scout Lore" the Charge is a solemn address to the new Eagle Scout where he is charged to live a life that is above and beyond average. The charge challenges the Eagle to live a life of honor, loyalty, courage, joy, and service minded kindness. These are the ideals of any scout, but the Eagle Scout is not only held to these standards, but also to lead others in the same path.

A scouting buddy named Sam Williams was recently awarded his Eagle Scout rank and he called me up asking for help with his Court of Honor. I told him I would do whatever he needed and I would be there. When I arrived this afternoon he handed me a script and pointed to what I would be saying. I was shocked at first. Unsure why he chose to have me give him his Eagle Scout Charge. It was a huge speaking part and one of the most important! Why pick me????? (I hate public speaking) I was hesitant but I gave him my word so I did my best to read through the 2 pages of the Eagle Charge. Paraphrasing a little and personalizing it when I got stuck but the meaning did not change. What an honor it was that out of the other adults, leaders, and people he could have chosen, he selected me.

I attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2010. During my Eagle Board of Review the panel members asked why I joined scouts. I explained that I enjoyed the outdoors, camping, and survival skills but my greatest motivation was the opportunity to do great things. I wanted service opportunities. I described to them how I became fascinated with the Eagle Scout rank when I discovered only a fraction(less than 5%) of scouts make it that far. I wanted the chance to rise to the occasion and achieve what many could not. The board then asked me what I would do if they were to grant me the rank of Eagle. I said I would strive to be an example of scouting and of the Eagle rank in everything I did. I was dismissed from the room while the board deliberated. I waited nervously for the call to return before them and hear the results. When I was finally called back in, they asked me if I had learned anything from my Eagle "trail". The first thing that popped into my mind was, "Absolutely. I learned procrastinating is foolish and that I was unwise to have waited so late to try and reach the top." The head of the board then told me, "We'll hold you to that." I was a little confused at first until he read back to me what I had said earlier. I realized he had been writing down what I said and it suddenly made sense. He concluded with:

"We want you to be an example to other scouts. The rank of Eagle Scout is yours, but you have an obligation to pass on your experience to other scouts and to help them along their way. We have been told about how you work with younger scouts and include them with the big guys. You were a friend to new scouts and encouraged them in their advancement. We ask that after your scouting career as a young man is over that you return to the program and continue instructing young boys into men and followers into leaders as a scoutmaster."

I was thrilled that I had actually made the last big step. The rank of Eagle Scout was mine. With it came a lot of responsibility and honor. I am now almost 20 and even though school is crazy and working takes much of my time, I still try and make some time to keep in touch with my troop and I will eventually return to serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster.

All of this is an introduction to what I will post about tomorrow. I feel "led" sometimes to share things. For what purpose I will probably never know, but that is of little consequence.

Until Next Time.

Introducing the Author

So a first post should be about the author in case you don't know me or find this blog by happenstance this is to fill you in a little before diving into the real stuff.

This feels insanely narcissistic and I actually had to sit here and think about what I was going to say.

I am a Sophomore studying mathematics and computer science in Georgia. I am currently working 3 "jobs": I serve an office's IT needs, own my own computer shop, and tutor high school mathematics on the side. For school my least favorite subject was writing (yet here I am writing a blog?) and I have always been horrible at Chemistry. My life is very boring and un-eventful. Part of this is my own choice and the rest I blame on a busy schedule.

A bit more about character. I have been called many things but allowing them to influence would be manipulation. I see myself as an angry, impatient, fool who tends to think and say the worst before even checking it out. I used to be talkative but found it rather pointless so I tend to not converse much anymore.

A little on the "lighter side", I am brutally honest and don't tend to play with words. My favorite quote in regard to speaking truth is:

"If something needs to be said then just say it. The truth will be the truth no matter how you spin it. The only question is how much of a fool do you make of yourself in the process."

There is a small handful of people I would die for. Those I call my friends I do not abandon for any reason except if they wish it. I enjoy serving anyone but my friends most of all.

This is of course just an introduction and I am sure I forgot important stuff but who knows. Anyway one last thing before I go. My life is one of irony. I wish I could explain why but that is for another day.

I hope you follow this blog to see what I say about each day and you may get to know what makes an insane person tick. :)