Learning Teamwork

     On multiple occasions, my friends and I have gone paintballing.  Although it may sound trivial, paintball is not only extremely fun, but it teaches you so much. It puts you in a setting where its you, a few friends or even strangers, and a goal. Reaching the goal is simple, eliminate the other team. The fun part is the teamwork and perseverance required. Paintball not only brought us together as friends, but also taught us to use our strengths with each other’s to achieve a goal. Although projects are supposed to do the same, they never do. I’ve found I learn so much easier if I connect to something.

Learning leadership

In my class’s eighth grade year we had adventure based learning, or ABL. ABL was a series of challenges that taught all of us how to plan, communicate, and lead others. The final challenge took place at boces, and was a ropes course where you had to as a team control the ropes of one of your classmates as they climbed up or across the course. We had to talk with one another, instead of against, and we all learned how to better lead a group. 

Learning Patience 

Through the years, I’ve had to wait thousands of times, but none stand out as much as the first time I played tennis. I’d miss every shot, fault on every serve, and lose every set. It’s been almost three years now, and although I’m still not where I’d like to be, I haven’t given up, and I’ve kept at it and have improved vastly.

Learning manners

All through my life, my grandmother has been an inspiration to me. I mean, she’s a pilot with a PhD, and stays sharp to this day. Yet ever since I was little I can remember her teaching me how to act around people, and she basically taught me to function. I can remember one exact time where little kid me was asking for something, and all it took was a please. I don’t know why, but this resonates with me to this day, and has honestly shaped the way I am.