Eric Huang, Period 7, 9/30/21

Eric Huang
Period 7
9/30/21
Modern Mythology 2022

Goal Setting & Growth

At this current point in time, what specific goal(s) do you have for yourself? Why

As I start my senior year, my goals are to finish all of my paperwork for college applications, finish my Eagle project paperwork, and to prepare for the upcoming swim season. As of right now, I feel that these three goals are my main focuses as I go throughout my day. Although I have a little over a month before Early Decision applications are due, I also have other paperwork to fill out before that deadline. With the yellow pages being due on 10/4 and potential supplemental essays needed by the 11/1 deadline, I don’t have much time to slack off and procrastinate any assignments. On top of college paperwork, I have recently completed an Eagle Scout project and I am currently working on the last stage, which is the write-up. While I have until my 18th birthday, which is in January, to submit the paperwork for my Eagle project, I would like to have it all completed by the end of October, as I would like to be able to include being an Eagle Scout on my Common App. The most tiring out of my three goals would definitely be my preparation to get my body back in shape for swimming. Even though I have been slowly working on my technique and endurance over the past 2 months, I feel that there is much to improve on in the next month before the season starts. After nearly a year and a half off due to quarantine, it’s taking me extra time to get back my endurance that was once always there for me.

How do you demonstrate resilience towards achieving this goal? (or these goals?)

I demonstrate resilience towards achieving my goals by not giving up even when it gets very tough, both mentally and physically. For example, writing my college essay was very tough for me, as I usually didn’t enjoy sitting in one sitting and typing out an entire essay. I’m more of the type to do little bits at a time to help keep my brain fresh and avoid using the same phrases and words over and over again. But when school started and all I had were ideas for a potential essay, I sat myself down and tried to write an entire essay all at once. I almost gave up after the first paragraph, as I felt very exhausted, but I ended up taking a 10 minute snack break and when I came back, I was able to push through and finish the essay. An example of a physical obstacle was when I first started practicing swimming again. When I first got back in the pool, I felt lethargic and out of breath. Although I was very tired and I desperately wanted to stop and grab food instead, I knew that I only had about 3 months to get in shape. I pushed through and eventually, those long sets that I was struggling with turned into my warmup and now I feel like I am back on track to end up where I wanted to be at for the start of the season.

How does the world around you affect your perception of this goal? (or these goals?)

The world around me has affected my perception of my goals by giving me the confidence that I am working just as hard, if not harder than, those around me. I say this because of my conversations with my peers, where many of them are holding off doing their college applications and/or essays because they either think that they have plenty of time, or due to laziness. On the other hand, there are those around me who are far ahead of me, as they’ve got both their applications done and their essays all completed. Overall, I think that I am in a good place, as I know that I will have ample time to submit my paperwork before the deadlines. This applies to my Eagle Scout project as well, as I have seen my fellow scouts struggle with just finishing their projects and getting their paperwork in just weeks or even days before their 18th birthday. I feel that with having a little over 3 months to get everything done, I am on track to achieve my goal. Lastly, I have been working out everyday and swimming every other day trying to get ready for the upcoming season, which isn’t something everybody can say they’ve been doing. Although I am not the fastest, I feel that with me putting in the hours, I will stand a chance when the season finally begins.