choice 2
Through my life I have had many experiences. I had to find a different source of motivation for each new experience in which I embarked. These experiences have helped to shape who I am today. My most defining experiences were found in my work, music, writing, and athletics.
With a father who is a carpenter it is almost instinctive for the son to help whenever possible. When I was younger I worked with my father. This experience showed me that things have to be earned, and sometimes sacrifices must be made to achieve the goal (which of the day would have probably been a new toy). I was also taught through my work experience that a quality job is a must. Now I work for a construction company over the summer, and still help my dad on the side. While the job is the same, the atmosphere is completely different. I now work with several other employees. I am held accountable to the same extent as the rest of the employees, many of which construction is their chosen lifetime career. In spite of all the differences I have been able to get along and complete the task at hand. I do not need others to be able to succeed however. On a job I worked at I was selected to tile the bathroom over the other employees, many of which have more experience than me. While it may not seem like such a big deal it showed me that I was doing something right and that someone noticed. To know that they trusted me to do a proper job without supervision meant a lot. This experience motivated me to continue doing the best I could as I watched others slack off. My job has also given me the satisfaction of seeing a job completed from start to finish. I was able to see the importance of every step no matter how small or unimportant it seemed at the time. This created in me a newfound respect for everyone and their jobs, which I might have previously looked down upon as being meaningless. My job also taught me the importance of a hard days work. But I also saw the rewards of the hard day's work in both the progress of the job and in the compensation I received. The environment I was in was one of work, but also learning. I learned countless things everyday, be it in relation to construction or not. Being surrounded by several people with much more life experience everyday proved to be a valuable resource.
I shine off the construction site as well. I have played the trumpet since 4th grade. An instrument requires ample dedication to improve. I now play in the top ensemble and jazz band in my school. I was placed into the wind ensemble a year early because I developed that much quicker. I have been in the BR jazz ensemble since 10th grade. This group has played at the Tralf several times. To maintain the performance level I am at now requires constant practice and dedication.
I enjoy writing. I find much more joy in writing then watching television. I don't really feel the need to get published to gain satisfaction from my work. I write for me, and that is satisfaction enough. I am a writer and layout editor for the school newspaper. These positions give me free reign to express myself while still accomplishing a set job. I find that type of job more motivational because I am not just plugging and chugging. The work is mine and could not have been done by anyone else.
I also played football in 10th grade, which was an incredible accomplishment for me. Many people wanted to see me fail on the field but it is that which motivated me to give it my all and succeed. While I may not have been all-American or anywhere near it the experience I gained from playing will be everlasting. There is camaraderie between players that can only be understood by experiencing it. Our team had many good players, which left me with little hope of starting, but I stuck with it. Each team we faced was like an obstacle in life, and through teamwork we were able to persevere. The coaches we had were always there for us, and encouraged healthy study habits in their players. My grades went up during the season due to their support.
I have been able to balance work, school, and fun quite well, maintaining an average in the range of 99-100%. Those numbers only show a miniscule fraction of my success. The experiences I have gained will prove to be much more valuable than a number.
My experience with construction taught me that one must first start with the basics and build on each step to get the final product. This is also true for life. One must first build a foundation to stand upon to reach any height. Every step has its place and its purpose, and together they comprise the finished product. Every day is another step, and while some may have seemed less productive or valuable, the accumulation of them is what matters. My experiences on the construction site and off have instilled in me values that I will bring with me through the rest of my life.
With a father who is a carpenter it is almost instinctive for the son to help whenever possible. When I was younger I worked with my father. This experience showed me that things have to be earned, and sometimes sacrifices must be made to achieve the goal (which of the day would have probably been a new toy). I was also taught through my work experience that a quality job is a must. Now I work for a construction company over the summer, and still help my dad on the side. While the job is the same, the atmosphere is completely different. I now work with several other employees. I am held accountable to the same extent as the rest of the employees, many of which construction is their chosen lifetime career. In spite of all the differences I have been able to get along and complete the task at hand. I do not need others to be able to succeed however. On a job I worked at I was selected to tile the bathroom over the other employees, many of which have more experience than me. While it may not seem like such a big deal it showed me that I was doing something right and that someone noticed. To know that they trusted me to do a proper job without supervision meant a lot. This experience motivated me to continue doing the best I could as I watched others slack off. My job has also given me the satisfaction of seeing a job completed from start to finish. I was able to see the importance of every step no matter how small or unimportant it seemed at the time. This created in me a newfound respect for everyone and their jobs, which I might have previously looked down upon as being meaningless. My job also taught me the importance of a hard days work. But I also saw the rewards of the hard day's work in both the progress of the job and in the compensation I received. The environment I was in was one of work, but also learning. I learned countless things everyday, be it in relation to construction or not. Being surrounded by several people with much more life experience everyday proved to be a valuable resource.
I shine off the construction site as well. I have played the trumpet since 4th grade. An instrument requires ample dedication to improve. I now play in the top ensemble and jazz band in my school. I was placed into the wind ensemble a year early because I developed that much quicker. I have been in the BR jazz ensemble since 10th grade. This group has played at the Tralf several times. To maintain the performance level I am at now requires constant practice and dedication.
I enjoy writing. I find much more joy in writing then watching television. I don't really feel the need to get published to gain satisfaction from my work. I write for me, and that is satisfaction enough. I am a writer and layout editor for the school newspaper. These positions give me free reign to express myself while still accomplishing a set job. I find that type of job more motivational because I am not just plugging and chugging. The work is mine and could not have been done by anyone else.
I also played football in 10th grade, which was an incredible accomplishment for me. Many people wanted to see me fail on the field but it is that which motivated me to give it my all and succeed. While I may not have been all-American or anywhere near it the experience I gained from playing will be everlasting. There is camaraderie between players that can only be understood by experiencing it. Our team had many good players, which left me with little hope of starting, but I stuck with it. Each team we faced was like an obstacle in life, and through teamwork we were able to persevere. The coaches we had were always there for us, and encouraged healthy study habits in their players. My grades went up during the season due to their support.
I have been able to balance work, school, and fun quite well, maintaining an average in the range of 99-100%. Those numbers only show a miniscule fraction of my success. The experiences I have gained will prove to be much more valuable than a number.
My experience with construction taught me that one must first start with the basics and build on each step to get the final product. This is also true for life. One must first build a foundation to stand upon to reach any height. Every step has its place and its purpose, and together they comprise the finished product. Every day is another step, and while some may have seemed less productive or valuable, the accumulation of them is what matters. My experiences on the construction site and off have instilled in me values that I will bring with me through the rest of my life.