Now that my hair has turned gray, I periodically think back and consider "what if …" What if I had chosen a different major in college? What if I had not taken a specific job opportunity? This thinking has led me reflect on my accomplishments, so I sat and thought about what have I accomplished, what accomplishments am I most proud of, and what do I still need to accomplish.
When I think about the proudest accomplishments in my life, I realize that I truly cherish the things that I had to earn through hard work and dedication. Though I played organized sports from second grade through high school, my athletic career was far from noteworthy. I can only recall being on one championship team; it was my junior year in high school, where, as a member of the varsity soccer team, I was fortunate enough to collect splinters in my bottom as my teammates won the league championship. Other than sports, the only organized activity that I did in my youth was scouting. Not to brag, but I was a stellar scout. I started as a Cub Scout in third grade, I became a Boy Scout in the sixth grade, and I remained in scouting until college. Along the way: I made many friends, participated in a lot of activities, did two high adventure treks, earned many badges, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Becoming an Eagle Scout took me seven years so I am very proud of that accomplishment; I still list it on my resume.