In reflecting, my greatest achievement has been attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scouts of America. Scouting provided me with opportunities I would not have otherwise experienced, allowing me to expand my playing field and area of outreach further than I could have ever imagined. To understand the significance of this accomplishment, I must share my “backstory.” FLASHBACK: My heart dropped as I watched each boy cross the wooden bridge. Each plank stepped on represented completing part of the journey toward earning the highest award in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Although eager to graduate from Cub to Boy Scout, I had not been serious. IF I had completed the requirements, I would have been with them. As each boy crossed and was honored, all I could do was watch, trying desperately to hold back tears. After the ceremony, I distinctly remember an adult voice, “IF you would’ve put your all into it, you would’ve also gotten this award.” At that point, I was determined to quit Scouting. I saw no reason to continue. A promise to my grandfather to give Boy Scouting one year before deciding to quit kept me in Scouting. Seven years later this scenario replays itself whenever I am hesitant to complete a task. Replaying my missing the Arrow of Light propelled me to work harder, to be conscientious and responsible. In retrospect, I forfeited some learning opportunities by giving minimal effort, ultimately resulting in my not walking the bridge. Changing course, after initially wanting to quit, I decided that I would give my best in everything. CHALLENGE: The culminating goal in Scouting is earning the rank of Eagle Scout, indicative of a lifetime of service, and the completion of a project reflecting who I am as a leader; basically, an assessment of whether I can lead others. As the leader, a major requirement was my ability to display a mastery of leadership skills by selecting, planning, developing, and implementing a project while providing guidance to others. This entailed deciding on a project which would meet a need in the community, outlining the steps required to complete the project, securing funding, recruiting, training, and engaging workers. Building 20 elevated outdoor dog beds for a local animal shelter would keep the dogs from having to sleep on the cold concrete. My plan called for about 10 helpers working as sub-teams to put the beds together. I recruited and trained members of my Troop who were eager to assist me. I demonstrated leadership by being knowledgeable about my project, defining the project steps, communicating this to my Scoutmaster and Troop members, providing hands-on training, monitoring the project development, and adjusting where necessary. As each bed was completed, I inspected it to ensure it met the defined standard of being sturdy enough to support a dog up to 30 pounds. At the end of each work session, I led an evaluation of what had been accomplished and thanked each person for their assistance. LESSON: Leadership is challenging, especially when having to try to understand others you are responsible for, trying to be fair and impartial, and yet get the job done. Key to my effectiveness in helping and leading others was the realization that we were providing a necessary community service. VICTORY: Transcending my Arrow of Light experience, my Scouting career was celebrated in 2019 when I received the highest honor in Scouting, the Eagle Scout Award. Standing there, as I was honored, I tried desperately to hold back tears. After the ceremony, I distinctly remember the same adult voice jubilantly telling me, “Congratulations Eagle Scout Armand Young. I KNEW you would rise to the challenge and reach this the highest level in Scouting.” FORWARD: It is kind of hard to realize I have come this far but doing my best is ingrained in me, especially by my Mom, whose selfless efforts and sacrifices ensure my two brothers, and I are prepared to succeed in life. In the future, it is my goal to always give my best in everything I do, to persevere, to never stop trying, realizing that not initially succeeding does not necessarily mean failure. STEPPINGSTONE: On June 1, 2021, my Mom was furloughed due to changing workplace conditions. With this potential setback, loss of income, she is more determined than ever, holding on to the hope that somehow, I WILL attend Old Dominion in August. As she pursues a permanent job, she is working several temporary jobs to sustain the family.

Reflecting on my greatest inspiration in life or what drives me, I readily honor my Mom. She is, and has been, the one to see my potential and has encouraged me to never give up, to believe that I can be or do whatever I desire, no matter how things look or whatever the situation. From fifth to ninth grades, my family’s living conditions were unstable. For months, my Mom, brothers and I slept on the floor at a friend’s house since we had no electricity. On another occasion, we had to find housing and move within thirty days. During these times, Mom continued to work and support our activities. Observing Mom’s actions and hearing her encouraging words, we felt that we could overcome any circumstance. My grades were impacted; yet, Mom understood, inspiring me to keep moving forward. The oldest of three boys, I voluntarily took on responsibilities necessary for my own as well as my brothers’ well-being. This was especially challenging in 2019 when my Mom faced extenuating working conditions. For eight months, Mom drove from North Carolina to Virginia seeking better economic conditions. She accepted a higher paying job after being told she could manage the job without moving. This did not work. Mom needed to be in Virginia to manage multiple offices. As she drove back and forth, averaging three days weekly in Virginia, my brothers and I spent time with our grandparents or a family friend. On weekends, when Mom was home, she was involved in our activities in church, Scouting, or community-sponsored events for which we volunteered. Ending a tiring weekend, she drove to Virginia early Monday morning to begin another work week. After Mom’s eight months driving back and forth and living in Airbnbs, we finally moved to start my Junior year of high school, and my brothers’ eighth and ninth grade years. Fast forward to the latest challenge. On June 1, 2021, my Mom received word that she was being laid off due to changing conditions in the workplace. With this potential setback, she is more determined than ever, holding on to the hope that I WILL attend Old Dominion in August. As she pursues a permanent job, she is working several temporary jobs to sustain the family. I have been taught, "Do your best and God will do the rest." Standing on this promise, I desperately seek college funding. Without assistance, my Mom cannot pay for college. My Mom’s work ethic, sacrifice and selfless efforts propel me to be conscientious, responsible, focused, and determined, qualities that helped me to overcome challenges in my past, and will help me succeed in life, INCLUDING attaining my goal of college and becoming a pilot. As long as my Mom, my inspiration, has not given up on my goal, and continues to inspire me, I cannot and will not give up either. What drives me? Basically, my desire to succeed, and to never let my Mom down after all she has sacrificed for our family.