A Greater Purpose

Ever since I was young, the concept of up has fascinated me. Whether it was simply being on my dad’s shoulders, seeing the world from a more  “up” perspective, or building model airplanes with my cousins. I have enjoyed testing my mental and physical limits, suited in an “up” connotation as well, whether it be trying to fly off my neighbor’s top bunk or having countless lemonade stands to save money for a trampoline.

David Werntz’s talk reminded me of this young fascination which I have somehow suppressed as I have been socialized into a society which doesn’t advocate for such creative experiments in pertinence to a dangerous topic. Yet, his visit awoke in me my drive to try new things and push limits that I pose on myself, but also those which society intangibly shoves my way. Recently, I have been gearing my studies towards subjects which will help increase my chances of getting into high clearance level jobs such as the FBI or CIA. In researching this extensively, I have found that military experience is highly recommended in order to compete in such a high profile, much wanted career path.

Taking my life long love for martial arts, I decided I would investigate joining the military, keeping in mind that I wanted to possibly precede down the safest route. I narrowed my options down to the Navy, Air Force, and Marines (for sure not safe, but it would be one of the most challenging).

Going back to David Werntz’s talk, I remembered back to when I was young and enamored with planes. My dad told me about when he was in his twenties and began trying to obtain his pilot’s license, yet his dream ended as his parents persuaded him to do something much “safer”. He told me that if I ever got the opportunity to learn to fly, I should take it with no questions asked. So, as David was talking, I couldn’t help but remember my dad saying this and felt a burning desire to fly ignite in me.

Again pairing this with my career path, I decided I wanted to join the Air Force and try to become a pilot. Aware that this is a lofty goal, I have made it my mission to learn to fly while also serving my country and helping increase my chances of getting a job which greatly interests me.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the information Werntz shared, especially when he did the demonstration on drag and lift and explained the physics of flying, his talk served me a greater purpose than simply informing me. Don’t get me wrong, I was very intrigued by the mechanics of flying and the freedoms awarded to pilots such as doing SOLOs before even having your license, but rather the talk awoke in me my passion to try new things and test my limits in a way which would prepare me for my future (and not be as expensive).