Dear family and friends,
Happy New Year! Today I would like to share my “big news” with you. So, to get straight to the point, here it is:
- I have decided to no longer pursue my Aerospace Engineering degree.
- I officially withdrew from Saint Louis University at the conclusion of the Fall, 2011 semester.
- I have transferred to Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO for the Spring, 2012 semester and beyond.
- I am now pursuing a degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Nonprofit Administration.
- And, most importantly, I am now pursuing a career in Professional Scouting with the Boy Scouts of America.
Making such a prominent decision was no easy task. I’ve been thinking about my role in this world for quite some time now, and I came to the realization that I was not following my dream. On several occasions, I would find myself unable to sleep at night, because I had a feeling deep-down that I needed to change something.
If you know me, you know that I have an unlimited passion for the Boy Scouts of America. The organization has been a huge part my life over the last 14 years, and I couldn’t be more thankful of my decision to join Scouts in the first grade. I have met countless people in the program, made lifelong friends, and influenced young men while serving on camp staff – and I’ve loved every minute of it.
As a younger boy, I was never really involved with team sports. Scouting provided me with a place where I felt like I belonged, and I gained a love of camping and spending time outdoors with my friends. Today, as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 603, nothing feels more gratifying than sharing my love of Scouting and the outdoors with the next generation of young men.
Along the way, and most prominently while working at Scout camp these past few summers, I have identified ways that I feel I could contribute to the Boy Scouts of America on a professional level. I want the BSA to continue to prosper and instill its values in the young men and women of our nation. It’s no secret that Scouting forms our country’s great leaders; just look at our nation’s astronauts, congressmen, and business leaders – many of them were positively influenced by the Scouts. To have even a small role in making the experience even better would mean the world to me.
The Scout Oath and Scout Law aren’t simply words to me; they present a profound meaning and challenge. I have many times told people that the obligation of these pledges lasts a lifetime, both within and outside of Scouts. Although one’s Scout uniform may occasionally be shed, A Scout’s promise forever remains:
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight.Scout Law
A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.
You may be interested in what exactly I would like to accomplish if granted the opportunity to work for the Boy Scouts of America. Here’s just a few of my ideas:
- Share the values of Scouting with as many youth as possible.
- Make an outstanding program the #1 priority in the organization, no exceptions.
- Encourage the organization to embrace creativity and innovation as the keys to tomorrow’s success.
- Bring the focus of the Scouting program toward youth leadership opportunities, and thus, inspire Scouts to become leaders.
- Set an example of terrific customer service, professionalism, and responsibility to fellow professionals, volunteers, and youth.
- Engage additional publicity and community engagement in the BSA in effort to further the organization’s integrity.
- Strive to make the local council the best in the nation, and an example of excellence.
The Boy Scouts is an organization that I wholeheartedly believe in, and I’ve seen firsthand just how influential a Scouting experience can be. It’s a group that brings people together in the community, regardless of financial or social status. Working at camp, I’ve witnessed Scouts undergo a live-changing experience in the outdoors; without Scouting, those opportunities to have fun, learn about oneself, and build character, most likely would not have taken place. Myself included, going to summer camp was undoubtedly my favorite time of the year. After all, where else can an 11-year-old kid go swimming in a lake, go kayaking, hold a snake for the first time, go stargazing, and learn to cook – all in one week? Camp provided me with these things and so much more, and those memories will never fade.
As I begin this new chapter in my life, I say goodbye to one that I’m ending. Transitioning from an Aerospace Engineering program to a Business Administration program at another school is no small change! The past three semesters have given me time to reflect on what my true purpose is in this world, which ultimately led me to my decision to make such a drastic change. While at SLU, I gained a tremendous amount of respect for engineers, and I wish my Aerospace Engineering classmates the best of successes on their rigorous journey. You are the innovators of tomorrow, and the world needs you. I bid each of my former classmates farewell, and I thank you for being a part of my journey.
Well there you have it! Wish me luck on the road ahead. I welcome your thoughts on my “big decision.” If you have any, I encourage you to send me a message by clicking here. Thanks for reading, and best wishes on your own lifelong journey… Make the most of it! -BL
