The Journey of 1000 Miles

If someone were to ask me where I am in my life right at this moment, the answer would be embracing my journey. The road has not been easy yet I have come to the realization that obstacles or bumpy roads are not necessarily bad at all. They, in fact, are signs of caution. For example, slow down, stop and curvy road ahead can be true signs in this road called life. As the renowned philosopher Lao Tzu said, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” I believe that each day is a step. I get to choose which direction that I would like to travel on my journey and one of the best steps that I could have declared is the step to attend Colorado University Boulder after I complete my time of service in the military.

I am a humble and disciplined man. It took some time and life lessons for me to get here despite my ignoring the importance of an education throughout high school. My grades were just average and I was not passionate about school at all. I struggled in completing one year of college after high school and decided to take a step in a different direction and soon I was joining the U.S. Army. The last 4 years of service has truly been an “eye-opening” experience. The discipline has really centered me in honing on each and every step that I take can make or break me. I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and traveled all over the world including Korea and Iraq. I saw the good, bad and the ugly of what can happen when making and not making conscious steps in life. This knowledge was an awakening to being the master of my journey. 

Life is no longer mediocre. I now know that just “passing” does not make an impact. One of George Bernard Shaw’s famous quotes is. “Life is not about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself.” This quote speaks to exactly where I am on my journey. I am here and have been here all along. I am in the path of creating the change I want to see in the world. I am growing each day. CU Boulder’s values of building a firm community to have a healthier, fulfilled lifestyle are in alignment with what I am up to creating in my life.  I want to use my GI bill to pay for my education. My emphasis of study will be communications. Indeed, communication forms a network and provides support to our richly diverse community. I am confident that my experience at CU Boulder will be an exceptional step on my journey. 

Essay 2

The most important lesson that I learned from my service in the military is to be passionate about life and everything in it. This includes me being very passionate about my education. My belief system has changed for the better. The military has inculcated profound values such as discipline, organization, patience, and loyalty. Unlike my life prior to the military, I am now ready to dedicate my life to my education. I want to be a part of the bigger picture in connecting people. Fame, material wealth, and entitlement are not motivating factors to me. Being with people and supporting them in sharing their stories is incredibly significant. I believe that leadership is inclusive. Everyone can lead. This is my key reason for majoring in communications at Colorado University Boulder. 

I take pride in believing a man is as good as his word. My time in the Army solidified this belief. I want my words to uplift and enlighten people. I seek to create infinite interpersonal relationships and experiences through my work as well as my travels. I wish to travel the world, engage with new cultures, new people and new experiences. CU Boulder will be my foundation in accomplishing my purpose. In being surrounded by intelligent, thoughtful, and inspiring people, as it states on your website, I know my visions and aspirations will become a reality. Just like the Army, I am convinced that I will continue to realize my own potential. I wish to continue being in service through my education first and then through creating an abundant life. Leadership is about growing and then showing. I inspire to be a cultivator of more influential leaders. 

My hopes for my education at CU Boulder are to be in contribution to a community that is making a global impact across the world as well as establishing a remarkable legacy. Education is so pivotal in my life that I am certain that only excellence is attainable by expanding my knowledge and growth. I want to make a difference in the world by doing what I love. Doing what I love becomes a ripple effect in generating unity and love in everything around me.  I wish to impart my work in the fields of public affairs, advertising, digital branding, or human resources. I am a student of life. Aristotle said it best, “He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander.” I look forward to being a part of this powerful collective at CU Boulder.