A Competition with Ambition

Growing up I have always been competitive, no matter what the circumstance. Imagine the guy who doesn't play cards because he can't stand losing and when he does play, it is approached way too seriously. That's me. Until recently, I have always been involved with some sort of organized athletic team, whether it be football, basketball, soccer, or track. Looking back at some of my experiences it is apparent how much I love competition. Not only a fight or goal, but the challenge. I want to face the biggest and the toughest.

After all of my years of competitive athletics I would have never guessed my fiercest competitors would arrive shortly after my retirement from playing ball. I never would have thought that a few thick textbooks with the word "Chemistry" written on them would be my greatest challengers yet. At no point before my recent studies have I encountered a competition that was to require so much sacrifice. That 300 pound linemen who once intimidated me looks like a toddler when I set him next to my 1000 page Organic text.

Although I am having to sacrifice time, sleep, money, and more time, every second is worth it. The challenge is irresistible to me. Knowing that we are fortunate enough in America to choose whatever eduction we would like is simply incredible and I that is something I must take advantage of. Unfortunately, I am not very smart. Much like being undersized as a college football player, this is something I can accept without being naive. As much as I wish I was a keen fellow and often act like I am, the truth is I am not. God did not provide me with a brilliant mind; however, he provided me with a relentless work ethic and an attitude that will settle for nothing short of my best. Not to mention time management; that helps a little bit, I guess.

This new competition I have now embarked upon has many demanding obstacles. For me it is much like golf. I have to practice on my own and ride solo to get it all figured out. For a dumb person as myself to analyze something as complicated as reactions and free radicals long enough to fully understand the information, is no short process. Much like other competitions, there is in overtime to Chemistry. But with Chemistry it is overtime EVERY TIME. Yes, I just made an evil laugh sound too. But seriously, I put it on the line every time. It is as if 24 hours just isn't enough time during the day. Sometimes overtime lasts two days. Sometimes the nights don't exist and the days turn to nights. But hey! like Ace Hood says: "I can't slow down for nothing, cause I gotta get overtime, gotta stay on my grind."

I encourage anyone to pursue the education of their choice no matter who they are. I hate to see people shy away from professions they desire simply because of a couple classes in the way. Difficult courses have not only occupied me with a very difficult challenge that I love, but have also allowed me to truly value my education and be deserving of the grades I make.

Not only do I value you my education more, but most importantly my relationships with friends and family. When something takes up your every waking hour for two weeks and then you actually have a break, it is not hard to enjoy. I refuse to put my friends on a "to do" list so when I have time to spend with people I love doing so. Now when I get to spend time with friends or family, I tune into every word spoken. I look intently into the eyes of each person and see how well I can get to know through listening and observing their expressions. Last night was my sister Ashton's 24th birthday. I regret being so tired, which prevented me from playing an active role at the Fuji party. This at least game me an opportunity to be around family and it was great. Today is Friday and although my final exam is Monday and I should probably sleep, I am going two stepping with some friends. This will give me a great opportunity to relax and get to know some of the friends around me (plus embarrass myself). I will certainly not take it for granted, knowing each moment that I am not all alone in my room studying is a precious one.