When it comes to education, instruction is important, but what really make the difference are the experiences a

learner has. You can read book after book about public speaking, but until you step out in front of the crowd youll
never really be an orator. Throughout my time in high school, I have been afforded the opportunity to take part in
many activities, groups, teams, and projects and I believe that they have played as big of a role in shaping me into
the man I am as the classes I sat in.
Some of these activities have been closely related to my academic pursuits. I participated in, and placed in the top 3
at, two Science Olympiad; I participated in the Exxon Mobile Texas State Science Fair; and I was a student
representative for the METSA (which stands for Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science Academy) program,
amongst other activities.
Other activities were not closely tied with academia, but taught me other important lessons like leadership and
interpersonal skills, which are important in a persons development. I have played on many, high level basketball
teams, participated in church youth groups and international missions trips, as well as working part time at a country
club. Each of these activities has developed teamwork, communication skills, self-confidence, and a strong work
ethic in a way which would not be available within the walls of the school building.
Of all of these activities, however, one stands out as unique in the way in which it impacted me as a person. During
high school, I chose to take part in an elective course called Ignite. The purpose of this class was to challenge
students leadership, drive, flexibility, and research skills by assigning a single task and allowing students to proceed
forward as their group and appointed leader saw fit. The task was relatively simple: make a rocket that can reach an
altitude of one mile. This activity was particularly impactful because, as my groups chosen leader, I was forced to
hone many skills on the fly. I developed and adapted many styles of communication in order to meet the varying
needs of my team; I learned how to best motivate a team by appealing to the skills and personalities of the
individuals; and I learned how to seek and acquire knowledge outside of a classroom to supplement the instruction
provided inside the classroom. The most unique aspect of this elective, however, was taking the research we had
conducted and the product we had created, and presenting them to a panel comprised of school principals, business
owners, and NASA engineers. Standing before actual rocket scientists, presenting what I had learned and what my
team had created challenged my speaking ability as well as my leadership. This experience stoked a desire within
me to continue to develop my leadership abilities and to seek out opportunities to stretch and grow myself in unique
ways; not every lesson I learn can come from a classroom.