Red Dead Redemption 2 by Rockstar Games, which came out on October 26, 2018, is a western action game that also serves as a prequel to the first Red Dead Redemption that came out in 2010. In this game, the story takes place between 1899 through 1907, which also looks at the death of the Wild West period.

Since its release, Red Dead Redemption 2 has been named a landmark in video game design and storytelling. Critics praised the game for the attention to detail and the immersive open world experience. The game received perfect or near-perfect scores from major gaming critics, including a perfect 10/10 from both GameSpot and Eurogamer, which gave it a 10/10. This makes it one of the most critically acclaimed video games of its generation.

The games’ technical aspects were impressive. At Rockstar’s hands, we see in-depth and living world, which sets new marks for open world game design. In every aspect of the environment, we see great detail from the complex character animations to the dynamic weather and life systems. Also, players can jump into almost any element of the game world, from taking on side missions to getting caught up in the daily lives of nonplayer characters (NPCs).

The graphics and sound in this game are what won it awards for best audio design and best art direction by The Game Awards. We see incredible attention to detail in the world, which is presented to us, from the snow-covered peaks of the mountains to the dense green of the forests and the vast open plains, which go on for what seems like forever. Also, the sound design is great; a background score that perfectly matches the environment, and sounds that place you right in the middle of the action.

Upon entry into the world of Red Dead Redemption 2, players are introduced to Arthur Morgan, a deep and complex character. Arthur has been a part of the Van der Linde gang since he was a teen. He was raised and mentored by Dutch Van Der Linde, the leader of the gang. At the start of the gam, Arthur is Dutch’s most trusted right-hand man, a devoted follower who has full faith in Dutch’s idea of freedom and survival.

At the beginning of the game, Arthur is a seasoned outlaw. He does what Dutch tells him to do without question, which includes into the gray area of morality like debt collection, store robberies, and scams. His loyalty to the gang and Dutch is total, and he doesn’t hesitate to partake in these actions for what he sees as a greater purpose of survival and freedom.

As progress, we see Dutch’s leadership break down. What had been a  close group that lived by a code of honor begins to fall apart under the pressure of his risky and unpredictable decisions. Arthur’s faith in Dutch is shaken as he sees betrayals of friends, dangerous impulsive plans, and a large focus on getting out to Tahiti.

A life-changing event, which in turn becomes a turning point for Arthur and has him reevaluate his life and choices. This journey is much portrayed in the diary, which he kept, which also includes what he reflects on and feels deeply.

His journals present an unfiltered and personal view of his growing consciousness. In one telling entry on mortality, which is also quite sad to read, Arthur writes, "Maybe I don't want salvation. Part of me has always longed for death. Well, here it comes. I suppose." This line speaks to the core of his existential struggle and the issue of his past, which he grapples with.

Another powerful piece looks at his past lover, Mary Linton, and also at his self-reflection. Arthur Morgan wrote in his journal, “Got a letter from Mary. What did I expect? What did I want? We were never meant to be and never really were, and yet somehow, in the end, I discovered I had a heart because it was broken. Oh, you fool. You sad, deluded fool. Torn in two by different ideas of who you were, and it turns out you weren't either of them."

In a powerful moment of self-awareness, Arthur contemplates his complex feelings about Edith Downes, a woman whose life has been deeply impacted by his past actions. In his journal, he reflects: "What a conflicted fool I've become, or have always been. (Edith) looked at me like I am what I am. A killer seeking out salvation. Only I'm not. I don't want to save. I don't deserve it. I just want to help a few folk. Felt like a fraud and a fool, but at least I did something." Edith represents a profound source of guilt and redemption for Arthur, challenging him to confront the consequences of his past and seek some form of personal reconciliation.

Beyond its amazing visual design and character development, Red Dead Redemption 2 was known for its game-changing take on what storytelling in video games can be. The narrative isn’t a set path from point A to B, but an alive and responsive experience that sees player choices play a large role in how the story plays out. The game also has an honor system, which logs the player’s moral choices and which, in turn, presents different story lines, endings, and also adds to the appeal of playing through it multiple times.

Gameplay mechanics were also noted for their real-world feel. Arthur must eat, sleep, and also take care of his equipment. We see that he requires the player to clean weapons, care for horses, which in turn also means feeding and grooming them, and that the character’s appearance will react to what the player does and the environment that is presented in great detail. This level of detail created an immersive experience, which at the time was rare in games, and in today’s market, is also a standout feature.

Red Dead Redemption 2 breaks from the norm in terms of what we see in video game stories. In Arthur Morgan’s story, we see beyond that of a simple bandit’s tale; we see a human story of reflection, moral gray area, and the want for redemption, which in some cases may not seem possible. The game also presents players with a study of a man who is in constant play between his past, present, and the question of what might happen to his friends and their families after he passes.

Critics and fans also note that this game is a breakthrough in interactive narrative. It is more than a game, it is a detailed and personal story experience that challenges players' moral choices, survival skills, and personal growth. Red Dead Redemption 2 is an example of unique art that is hard to express in media like books and television.

John Lennon's transition from a working-class man from Liverpool to a global icon showcased musical innovation and personal contradiction. Rising to fame with The Beatles, Lennon's personal beliefs and passionate songwriting helped redefine music in the 1960s. Following the band's breakup, his solo career shifted toward experimental sounds and politically charged messages alongside his second wife, Yoko Ono. This evolution introduced Lennon's debut solo album "Plastic Ono Band," which revealed his internal struggles and search for authentic expression.

“Plastic Ono Band” was released on December 11, 1970, and distinguished itself from Lennon's work during his time with The Beatles. Lennon created the album after several sessions of primal therapy with therapist Dr. Arthur Janov, which made this album an emotional rollercoaster with themes of death, isolation, religion, anger, class, fear, love, and the search for personal meaning.

There are many tracks on this album that I enjoy, so I won't be able to explain each one, but I’ll discuss the ones I enjoy most.

“Mother” is the first song on the album, serving as a great introduction. The song talks about Lennon's parents and their distance from him. “Mamma, don’t go. Daddy, come home.” Lennon’s mother, Julia, died in a car accident on July 15, 1958, when he was only 17. However, Lennon's father, Alf, abandoned him and Julia when he was just an infant. With Lennon's vocal delivery and the background of his connection to his parents, this song sticks with listeners.

“Hold On” is another of my favorite songs from the album, and it follows “Mother.” “Hold on, John, John hold on. It’s gonna be alright, you're gonna win the fight.” In this song, John reassures himself and his wife Yoko that they will find the strength to overcome their challenges. During the song’s production, it took a total of 32 different takes, experimenting with effects such as tremolo and delay, to achieve the final product that Lennon was satisfied with.

“Look At Me” is my favorite track on this album. This song explores Lennon's quest to understand himself and make meaningful connections with others. “Look at me, who am I supposed to be?” Lennon wrote the song during his time in India with The Beatles while recording their self-titled album “The Beatles,” nicknamed the “white album,” which is why “Look At Me” sounds similar to “Julia,” featured on the “white album.”

One of my last favorites from this album is “Love.” While there isn't much unique background about this song, it's a simple yet beautiful piece. “Love is real. Real is love.” By the time of the album's release, it's safe to assume that when John sings about love, he refers to his wife at the time, Yoko Ono.

John Lennon's "Plastic Ono Band" represents his artistic courage and emotional honesty. With this album, Lennon transformed his struggles into art, creating something that resonates with listeners decades later. His willingness to reveal his true self through music remains one of his most distinctive artistic achievements.

In an era where career changes are normal, some individuals find their calling and stay true to it throughout their professional lives. This is true of Mr. Cheezem, a remarkable educator who spent 30 years teaching 7th grade social studies in Kesling and mostly in the same classroom.

His story offers valuable insights into the evolution of education and the timeless principles that make for effective teaching.

“I tried to vary the instruction: everything from history simulations, games, personal stories, real-world connections, and project-based learning. I think mixing things up really kept students engaged. I also used a lot of songs/mnemonic devices to help students remember information,” Chezem said.

His method of teaching allowed for students who may learn in different ways, to feel involved in and learn the lessons taught. His career is filled with proud teaching moments. 

“Not sure if any single moment stands out, but I loved seeing students who struggled in most of their previous educational experience- find success in my class. It was always awesome to see their self-esteem grow right before my eyes,” he said.

Chezem shows that teaching isn't the only job of being a teacher, but it is also watching kids develop into mature people and grow their self-esteem. 

“I’m old enough to have taught without computers in the school, before cell phones, before the internet. I was teaching before air conditioning in the school. I still remember doing grades with a calculator. The only technology was an overhead projector. Needless to say- the classroom has changed a lot in the three decades that I taught,” he said.

Despite all of these changes that Mr. Chezem experienced during his decades of teaching, he still was committed to his impactful teaching.

Just because Mr. Chezem has stopped teaching at schools doesn't mean he still isn't making an impact on students/kids. 

“I have retired from teaching, but I have not retired. I am busier than ever. Currently, I am a Teaching Pastor and Youth Pastor at Journey Church. So, I still teach- just a different subject. I still enjoy going to Slicer games, playing pickleball, and traveling,” he said

Despite retiring from teaching, Chezem explains that he cherishes his job still.

"I still loved my job when I retired, which isn't the case with every retiring teacher. I miss the students, and I miss the classroom. I miss building relationships with students and seeing them grow."

He particularly misses taking students to Camp Tecumseh, which was "a highlight of the year for students for years" before the trip was discontinued. Now, he does something similar by taking youth group students on retreats.

He has a wealth of knowledge and advice for teachers.

 "I would tell them that students don't care what you know until they know how much you care. I truly believe that positively connecting with students is the greatest single factor in seeing struggling students succeed. I would also let them know that expectations and consistency matter. Without those, the classroom can be difficult," he said.

Chezem describes himself as "kind of a dying breed," having taught the same subject in the same school, mostly in the same classroom, for his entire 30-year career as a teacher. 

“I taught the same subject for my entire career. 30 yrs! I taught all 30 years in the same school and most of which were in the same classroom! A lot of people would make comments like, 'You really don't like change, do you?' My response was, 'I just really love what I do!' he said.

His story reminds all of the impact dedicated teachers can have across generations of students. While classrooms may change with technology and educational trends come and go, the heart of great teaching remains the same with genuine care for students, consistency, and a passion for the material.

Chezem embodied these qualities throughout his career, and though he's moved on to new forms of teaching, his legacy lives on in the countless students whose lives he impacted over three decades in the classroom.

Mac Miller was an artist from the 2010s who was recognized for his rapping, producing, and songwriting. Miller had seven studio albums, including “Blue Slide Park,” “Watching Movie with the Sound Off,” “GO:OD AM,” “The Divine Feminine,” “Swimming,” and “Circles.” His most recent album release is “Balloonerism,” a posthumous album that gives Miller’s fans another chance to enjoy his music.

Mac Miller passed away at age 26 from an accidental drug overdose of cocaine, fentanyl, and alcohol on September 7, 2018. Before Mac Miller passed away, he recorded a couple of albums that were later finished, remastered, and released after his death. His first posthumous album was “Circles,” released in early 2020, and his second posthumous album, “Balloonerism,” was released on January 17, 2025.

“Balloonerism” was recorded in 2014 in correlation with his mixtape “Faces” and stands out as an album in Mac Miller's discography, with the album being an experimental album with genres including jazz rap, neo-soul, abstract hip-hop, and neo-psychedelia. In this album, there aren't a lot of artist features, but there is one that stands out, considering this was years before her debut album “Ctrl,” SZA. With this album being recorded almost a decade ago, and being released just recently, it doesn't sound in any way “old” or “classic” compared to Miller's earlier work. It's a fascinating album to listen to when understanding the background of Mac Miller's life.

The album talks about topics such as addiction/substance abuse, isolation, death, and mortality. When noticing the condition he was in back when this album was recorded, he was just starting to struggle with his drug addictions, which makes this album even more heartfelt to listen to after his death from his overdose. 

One of the songs on this album that I enjoy the most is “Funny Papers.” This song discusses death, personal struggles, and the search for peace. “Yeah, somebody died today; I saw his picture in the funny papers. Didn't think anybody died on a Friday.” This line from the song is ironic because Mac Miller passed away on a Friday, making it a bit spooky to consider that he wrote this only a few years before his tragic death.

Another one of the standout songs in the album for me is “Excelsior.” In the song, Miller sings about how we all were children one day but started thinking like adults randomly. “All of this before the brainwash starts, before they get polluted, start thinking like adults. Life is fantasy and somersaults then, before the world tears apart imagination.” In a way, this song feels nostalgic to me, especially with the background of kids playing and having fun.

"Balloonerism" stands as an image of Mac Miller's artistic uniqueness and vision. Released over a decade after its creation and years after his passing, this experimental blend of jazz rap, neo-soul, and psychedelia captures Miller at a moment in his life when he was beginning to confront the demons that would eventually claim him, but with creative brilliance. With songs like "Funny Papers" and "Excelsior," the album serves not just as a collection of songs but as an album that completes the understanding of Miller's artistic journey and reminds us of the musical genius we lost too early.

During spring break, I went to Arizona with my family, where we explored several state parks, national parks, and national monuments. The week I spent in Arizona was peaceful and beautiful; I loved hiking and experiencing the outdoors. Below are some of the parks and monuments I enjoyed the most.

One of the many places my family and I visited was the Montezuma Castle National Monument in Yavapai County. The Sinagua people constructed the castle along the waterways beside the limestone cliffs where the castle was built. The castle was mistakenly named by explorers in the early 1800s who assumed it was built by the Aztec tribe and named it after Chief Montezuma. I enjoyed learning about the history of the settlers in the area, how people discovered the castle, and the multiple findings made in the region. This is a perfect place to visit if you are in the area for an hour, and don't necessarily mind walking. The cost for entering the park is $10 per adult and kids under 15 are free.

Another visit my family and I made was to Fort Verde Historic State Park. This park became one of my favorite places during the entire trip. The area served as an active base for General Cook’s U.S. Army scouts and soldiers during the Central Arizona Indian Wars. Over the years, as the wars ended in that region, the base was left abandoned and later sold at auction. When you visit the park, the first thing you see is the museum, which explains and showcases the history of the base and its inhabitants. I’ve always enjoyed learning about history, so this part was exciting, and I loved seeing all the artifacts discovered after the land changed hands, including weapons, furniture, uniforms, and more. After visiting the museum, you can explore four buildings that have stood the test of time, where you learn about the history of each structure and who resided in them during the years that the base was active. This place is another nice visit if you have an hour of free time while visiting the state. The fee to enter the park is $10 for anyone over 14 and $5 for anyone under 13 with children under 6 being free.

One other spot I visited was the Agua Fria National Monument. While I was there, I hiked the Badger Springs Wash Trail. The weather was hot, but I still loved the trail. My family and I aimed to find the petroglyphs in the area, but they were so high up that we couldn't see them. We ended up taking a detour, which made us hike more than we intended. Even after straying from the trail a bit, I still enjoyed it because it was simple and looked beautiful. To enter Agua Fria there is no cost, unless you have a group over 25, then you will need to have a permit.

Now my favorite part of the entire trip was Grand Canyon National Park. This place had long been on my bucket list of things to see in my life, and even though I spent the entire day at the park, I wish I could have spent more time there. The Grand Canyon was so beautiful, and when I saw it for the first time, the best way to describe it was like seeing a beautiful picture you've admired all your life but never experienced in person until that moment. Unfortunately, my family and I didn't do any intermediate or harder hikes while there. However, we still explored several easier trails at the South Rim Visitor Center such as the Rim Trail, and the Bright Angel Trail. The price for entering is $30 per vehicle with exceptions being certain days such as January 20 for Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, and November 11th for Veterans Day.

My week in Arizona had a nice combination of natural wonder and historical discovery. From standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon to seeing ancient cliff dwellings and military outposts, each site provided a unique picture of both natural and human history that defines Arizona’s history.

When I was younger, I enjoyed a variety of shows. I remember being little and sitting directly in front of my TV before school and eating Cheerios while watching cartoons. Now, of course, I’ve grown up since then, but I still have a deep appreciation for many of the shows that made an impact on how I see certain scenarios in my life. The shows that I am going to mention are some of my favorite shows that I used to love when I was younger, and I’ll go into detail about each of them.

The first show that immediately comes to my mind when I think of my childhood favorite shows is “Regular Show.” Now despite what the title says, “Regular Show” was a unique show at the time that it was first airing on Cartoon Network. It was mainly targeted towards teenagers, but I still loved watching with my brother when he was in high school. The main characters in the show are Mordecai and Rigby, and each episode starts with normal, realistic scenarios but as the episode progresses it slowly progresses into usually chaotic endings. Mordecai and Rigby are both in their early 20s and are stuck at a job at a park. I love the dynamic of Mordecai and Rigby in the earlier seasons because Mordecai is the smart and almost responsible adult, while Rigby is dumb and the problem child. The early seasons have my favorite episodes of the entire show, and it's so hard to pick a favorite episode, it's like picking a favorite child because I love all of them so I won't.

Another childhood favorite of mine was “Teen Titans Go." Looking back, this is probably the show I regret watching so much as a kid. The show is a spinoff of the original "Teen Titans" from 2003 and mainly focuses on being more of a comedy than an action show, featuring the original characters from the 2003 series, including Robin, Raven, Cyborg, Beast Boy, and Starfire. Every episode was random and silly, but they were entertaining to watch when I was younger. 

“King of the Hill” is one of the childhood shows that I watched with my brother and dad, even if it wasn't exactly family-friendly. The main character in the show is propane salesman Hank Hill and his family in suburban Texas. The show's humor was ahead of its time in my opinion. I loved the relationship between Hank and his son Bobby with their misunderstandings and moments of connection being funny and meaningful. Episodes like "Bobby Goes Nuts" had me laughing hard, while the show's lessons and characters were entertaining. “King of the Hill” dealt with normal situations through unique characters, showing that good humor can come from simple moments. 

“Clarence” was another one of Cartoon Networks shows from around the 2010’s era that I loved. The show is about a 9-year-old kid named Clarence who goes through his everyday life of just being a goofy, lighthearted kid, and having different scenarios for each episode. In most of the episodes, Clarance is with his two best friends Jeff and Sumo. In the trio Jeff is the uptight, germaphobic, rule listener, Sumo is wild and unpredictable, and Clarance is kind and friendly to everyone. I love the dynamic of this trio, and I love all of the “adventures” that we get to see in each episode.

These shows are just a handful of the ones that I enjoyed and probably made an impact on how I see and think about ideas and scenarios. "Regular Show" taught me that it'll be okay even with what happens in life. "King Of The Hill" showed that at the end of the day, sometimes all you have are friends and family. "Teen Titans Go," despite my mixed feelings about it now, introduced me to the world of superheroes, and "Clarence" reminded me to find joy in the every day and appreciate people for their uniqueness. Looking back at these shows now, while they were entertaining, they were experiences that helped shape my sense of humor, my values, and how I relate to others, creating memories and influences that continue to show.

Mac DeMarco is a musician from Duncan, British Columbia, who later moved to Brooklyn, New York, and was part of the indie rock band Makeout Videotape. Later, he established himself as a solo artist with six studio albums including “Rock and Roll Nightclub,” “2,” “Salad Days,” “Another One,” “This Old Dog,” and “Here Comes The Cowboy.” Salad Days expresses the spirit of early adulthood at the age of 23. As the follow-up to DeMarco's album “2” the album blends lo-fi production with inner reflection on success, maturity, and self-awareness.

“Salad Days” sets the album's tone through premature aging, nostalgia, and the weight of success. "Oh mama, actin' like my life is already over, act your age and try another year." This line describes DeMarco's frustration with people acting as though his youth has passed and also reminding himself to live for the moment and not be obsessed with adulthood and fame. The tune is about the way, although he is still young, he already has the weight of his job and his responsibilities.

One of his songs “Blue Boy” is almost a letter to his teenage self, telling him not to be concerned about other people's opinions. "No use acting so tough, calm down, sweetheart, grow up." “Blue Boy” is a song about social anxiety and learning to be positive and face the world without fear of others, and that shows another adult side of DeMarco. “Salad Days” portrays disappointment with adulthood, but “Blue Boy” advises people who may be insecure to not worry about negative opinions about themselves.

“Brother” talks about walking toward one's dream not dreaming about them. "You're no better off living your life, than dreaming at night." It encourages the listeners to ditch overthinking and do what they want in life. The instrumentals and lyrics make the song a thought-provoking and inspiring song.

“Let Her Go” discusses that love tends to evolve naturally with time, as a flower blooms and, after some time, can dissolve. "Growing by the hour, love just like a flower. But when that flower dies, you've got to say goodbye, and let her go." The song explains that sometimes relationships reach their end, and keeping them for fear or not knowing something better isn't always the choice. Despite its theme, the song’s upbeat instrumentals create an ironic contrast.

“Goodbye Weekend” is one of resisting social pressure and sticking to one's own faith and self. "So don't go tellin' me how this boy should be livin' his own life. Sometimes rough, but generally speaking I’m fine" DeMarco ignores people who are trying to place their expectations on him, expressing the importance of independence. It also subtly criticizes people who blame others for deviating from normative life routes.

“Let My Baby Stay” is a heart-felt plea about how much one wants to keep a loved individual close. "Far as I can tell, she's happy living with her Macky, so please don't take my love away." DeMarco wrote this for his then girlfriend, Kiera McNally, when there were possibilities that she might need to leave America. The song captures desperation along with long emotional bonding.

“Passing Out Pieces” is possibly the most energetic track on the album both in sound and lyrics. The heavy synths and beats create an image that shows the song's message of being lost in fame. “Passing out pieces of me, don't you know nothing comes free?” DeMarco talks about how his life away from the publicity has been affected by his celebrity persona and suggests that fame has paid in ways that no one sees.

“Treat Her Better” is a song about respect and appreciation of someone's loves. "Treat her better, boy, if having her at your side's something you enjoy." The song is a warning to those who take advantage of their partners, asking them to treat them with care before they miss the chance.

“Chamber of Reflection” is the most streamed track on the album, with over 800 million streams on Spotify. The song’s synths and lyrics resonate with many listeners. “Spend some time alone, understand that soon you’ll run with better men. Alone again.” The lyrics reference the Masonic Chamber of Reflection, where individuals meditate before becoming Freemasons. The song encourages deep self-reflection and personal growth, urging listeners to understand themselves before seeking external validation.

“Go Easy” is a song about letting things happen as they're supposed to. "So please, go easy with my baby." DeMarco cautions against stressing about things that someone can't control, taking on a lighthearted outlook that is in line with the album's themes of accepting oneself and waiting it out.

“Jonny's Odyssey” rounds out the album on a cheerful, carefree note. As an instrumental track, it is a breezy relief following an album of introspection and pain. The song's lighthearted, jam-like nature is meant to reiterate the idea that; however tough it gets to grow up, life should somehow be enjoyed.

“Salad Days” is self-conscious of an album, and it shows the fear of youth vs. adulthood, achievement vs. self-doubt, and independence vs. responsibility. Under relaxing instrumentation and good lyricism, DeMarco sings about personal maturity, relationships, and pressures of fame. There is a unique approach to every track, whether it is self-reflection of “Chamber of Reflection,” the self-reliance of “Goodbye Weekend,” or pleading in “Let My Baby Stay.” While the album struggles with ideas of change and uncertainty, it shows the idea of living life on one's own beliefs. 

“Salad Days” remains one of my favorite albums, and it resonates with other listeners who are experiencing similar times of change in their lives. I recommend that someone should at least listen to “Chamber of Reflection” or “Salad Days” if someone wants to hear what DeMarco's meaningful lyrics and fun instrumentals are like.

It was the first night of summer camp, and everything went wrong. My patrol was walking to the showers at night when I heard a thud. One of the other scouts had tripped over a loose brick near the flagpole and knocked out one of his teeth. Blood was coming from his mouth as he stood, his tooth clutched in his shaking hand. Panic was in his eyes for a split second, but my fight-or-flight kicked in. Fortunately, we were right next to the first aid tent in the camp. While two others ran off to alert the rest of the troop, I walked with our injured friend as we sprinted to seek help from the camp staff.

That night, I realized that everything I have learned from Scouts is not just for camp but also life skills that everyone should know. The experience also showed the importance of being prepared for emergencies, no matter how small they may appear at first. Having a basic knowledge of first-aid skills and procedures can be the difference between a small accident and a serious emergency. In Scouts, the motto is "Be Prepared," and that includes being prepared for the unknown not just when camping but in daily life.

One of the greatest lessons Scouts teaches is independence. You find out quickly at campouts that no one else is going to take care of my food, my gear, or even my body heat. I remember my second overnight stay at a horseback riding camp where we slept on hay bales on a farm. Everything was fine until I discovered that I had packed only a light blanket for very cold weather. That experience taught me to always over-prepare, and I now bring at least three comforters on every trip so that I never sleep cold again. This lesson in taking personal responsibility crosses into other areas, whether it’s at school, work, or by alone.

Another skill I’ve learned from Scouts everyone should learn is problem-solving under pressure. In those critical moments when adrenaline surges and time feels like it’s slipping away, remaining calm and looking over the situation is critical. Whether fixing a snapped tent pole in an impromptu storm or helping a lost scout who had wandered into the forest, these challenges helped me learn that sound problem-solving isn't only a matter of technicality but of mental strength and skill.

Each obstacle provides an opportunity for growth. When the unexpected occurs, it's the reaction we have that leads to the outcome. It's not just a matter of possessing the skills, such as first aid or navigation, but also the inner calm to act with certainty under pressure. This ability to problem-solve in difficult situations is one that reaches far beyond the wilderness, and one that pays off in our everyday lives.

These experiences also highlight the value of teamwork and communication. In a crisis, every member of the group is crucial. Each person on a team is important from the ones who are the first to react to problems and even the ones who step back and take a look at the whole situation. This collaboration reminds us that while it is nice to be independent, collaboration also makes confusion turn into ease, and the difficulty an opportunity for growth.

That evening of mayhem at camp was an important moment to have. It taught me to be prepared, work as a team, and to problem solve under extreme pressure. These lessons have allowed me to handle emergencies in the wilderness and have provided a solid basis for making sense of the unpredictable moments of everyday life. Whether you are a teacher, a student, or a scout, embracing these values gives people the resilience and courage to face all your challenges.

The skills developed in Scouts go past survival. They build awareness, resilience, and the ability to challenge life’s opportunities. Preparedness is not just a slogan. It is a lifestyle that, when adopted, helps us navigate even the most unexpected twists on ones path.