I am 15, Yay!

Goodbye 14. Hello 15.

I usually make a quick video recap to say goodbye to each year—a tradition I’ve been doing with my mom since I was 4, and one I absolutely look forward to every single year. But now that I have a blog, I figured—why not write a version too?

14 was a ride. I started high school, made the Crossfire Select A team (go me!!), assistant coached soccer, had my first Valentine’s Day with someone I actually asked out (bold, I know), and said goodbye to Middle School just as fast as I said hello to High School. I even managed to visit 4 countries in just 15 days over the summer—jet lag? Never heard of that.

Oh—and I officially kicked off my shoe collection this year (more on that in another blog soon).

I just turned 15 literally a minute ago.

Hello, 15. Looking forward to an epic year.

My Soccer Tryout Experience

Hey everyone! Back with another blog, and today I’ll be sharing my experience with both my club and school soccer tryouts.

Club Tryouts

Last season, I played for Lake Washington Premier FC’s B team. Our first season was rough, we only won one game, had one draw, and lost the rest. The second season was a bit better, but I wanted to win more. After tryouts, I ended up back on the B team, which was frustrating because I really wanted to be part of the A team, where they won a lot more games.

Since I wasn’t selected, my friends encouraged me to try out for Crossfire, one of the biggest clubs in Washington. I decided to give it a shot—and I made the A team! Now, I’m playing alongside four of my friends, and I’ve been told this team wins a lot of games. I’m really excited about this opportunity and can’t wait to see how the season goes.

School Tryouts

School tryouts started last week, and my goal was to make either the C team or possibly JV. After the first day, I realized making JV would be tough, not just because of my skills but also due to the way the coaches were evaluating players. So, I shifted my focus to making the C team instead.

As tryouts went on, though, I noticed the coaches weren’t paying much attention to me. In the end, I got cut. I genuinely feel like I was better than a lot of the players who made the C team, but I think my position had too much competition. Not making the team was heartbreaking, but I know this is all part of the learning process. There’s always next year, and in the meantime, I now have the chance to join track and field, another sport I love.

Sometimes setbacks open new doors, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.

Final Thoughts

This tryout experience was full of ups and downs, but it taught me a lot about finding new opportunities. While getting cut from my school team was disappointing, making the Crossfire A team was a huge win, and I’m excited to compete at a higher level with my friends. This whole journey reminded me that setbacks aren’t the end, they’re just a part of the process. Whether it’s soccer, track and field, or anything else I take on, I’ll keep pushing myself to improve and make the most of every opportunity. There’s always another chance, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

My Introduction To Cancer Biology

Hey gang, back at it with another blog. I just wanted to share that over the past year, my interest in cancer biology has been growing. Recently, my neighbor lost her battle against metastatic breast cancer, which deeply impacted me and led me to dive deeper into understanding cancer - its causes and effects, what’s about it so difficult to cure or prevent.

During my research, I came across a YouTube interview of Dr. Thomas Seyfried from Boston College. If any of you are interested, you can check out his research paper or watch this YouTube video https://youtu.be/VaVC3PAWqLk?si=7I0azLBBwxcZ4Ajm where he discusses the ever-growing prevalence of cancer. It is estimated that new cancer cases could rise to 35 million every year by 2050, which very frightening. Dr. Seyfried has challenged the traditional view that cancer is primarily a genetic disorder. Instead, he suggests that cancer is fundamentally a mitochondrial disease, meaning it arises from disruptions in cellular energy production rather than just genetic mutations.

I learned a lot from this research, often finding myself scratching my head while trying to grasp new concepts and terminology. Wanting a solid introduction to the subject, I started looking for beginner-friendly courses. Bellevue College offers an Introduction to Cancer Biology course, but it wasn’t ideal for someone my age and grade. However, I was determined to learn more, so I found an introductory course offered by Johns Hopkins.

It took me about three weekends to complete, and I must say, it was a great primer. The course covered key topics such as the definition and types of cancer, the cellular hallmarks of cancer, different imaging techniques used in oncology, and, most fascinating to me—the real killer: metastasis.

The Joy of Giving, The Slime Adventure

This all started with me wanting to do something meaningful. I applied to volunteer at Seattle Children’s Hospital, but they emailed back saying I didn’t qualify because of my age. Honestly, that bummed me out at first, but then they suggested I could still contribute by providing toys or activities for the kids. That got me thinking—what could I do that would be fun and different?

Then it hit me - slime. My sister (Vole Esprit) is basically a slime expert, so I asked her for help, and she totally ran with the idea. She’s also a design student, so she came up with these reusable boxes with custom covers, instruction sheets, and fun extras like colors and sparkles for the slime. It turned into a whole project—way more than just putting stuff in a box. She brought the creativity to another level, and I learned so much from working with her.

When we delivered the six boxes to the hospital, I didn’t expect the response we got. The volunteer crew was so excited about our attention to details, and they said the kids would love them. That was honestly the best feeling ever. But then I learned there are about 350 kids at the hospital on any given day. It really hit me that six boxes weren’t even scratching the surface. I couldn’t stop thinking about the kids, especially the ones dealing with really serious illnesses.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we decided to focus on what we could do next. Valentine’s Day is coming up, so we’re planning to make 35 themed slime boxes! This time, we’re asking friends and family to pitch in for the supplies.

This whole experience has been amazing—not just the creativity and teamwork with my sister but knowing that something so small can brighten someone’s day. And honestly? The best part was seeing how much people appreciated it and knowing it’ll bring smiles to those kids.

We’ve got big plans to keep this going. One slime box at a time! 💕

New Year New Goals

Reflecting on 2024 Goals and Setting New Milestones for 2025

As the year draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the goals I set for 2024. This exercise has helped me understand what I achieved, where I fell short, and, most importantly, how I grew. While I didn’t meet all my goals, the process of setting and working toward them taught me valuable lessons. Here’s a recap of my 2024 goals and their outcomes:

2024 Goals Met or Not?

1. Goal: Get 2 Promotions at Civil Air Patrol
   Outcome: I only got one promotion since I missed lots of meetings during summer travel and on returning still had my long hair for the first meeting on Blue Uniform. I do have all the criterion met now and should be getting promoted shortly. This experience taught me the importance of consistency and preparation.

2. Goal: Build Greater Appreciation for Reading (3 Books a Month)
   Outcome: I didn’t achieve this due to the fact I only limited my reading to the ones I needed to do in school. I realized I need to make time for reading outside of academic obligations and explore books that genuinely interest me.

3. Goal: Participate in STP 2024 and RSVP
   Outcome: Another missed goal due to travel schedule. My sister’s summer program at Cambridge took priority, and while I couldn’t participate in STP, I enjoyed traveling and exploring with my family.

4. Goal: Start High School with a Bang
   Outcome: This goal was a luck of the draw because I ended up at Interlake High School. My courses include IB Spanish II, Honors English, and AP Human Geography (HUG). Honors math wasn’t an option, so I’m doing Algebra II while prepping for AMC. This goal highlighted how flexibility and making the most of available opportunities matter.

5. Goal: Improve Writing by Focusing on Non-Math Subjects
   Outcome: I achieved this since I am taking Honors English and AP HUG, which require lots of writing. I’ve grown more confident in my ability to express ideas clearly and effectively.

6. Goal: Get More Organized (Fix Closet Every Saturday)
   Outcome: I achieved the goal but didn’t really clean it every weekend. I did two big rounds of cleanup and organizing and then just regular mindfulness helped me keep it nice and tidy. This taught me that consistency doesn’t have to be rigid—mindful maintenance works, too.

Lessons Learned

Although I didn’t meet all my goals, keeping them was beneficial and kept me in a growth mindset. I was mindful about my goals and continued to learn about external limitations and my own shortcomings. Keeping this practice alive, I want to now set 2025 goals, here we go:

Goals for 2025

1. Get 2 Promotions at Civil Air Patrol
   With a stronger plan for attending meetings and meeting criteria, I’m determined to achieve this.

2. Start a Twitch Channel for Daily Game Streams
   Combining my love for gaming with creativity, I’ll create and grow a Twitch channel.

3. Complete STP 2025 with a Group of Interlake Friends
   Travel permitting, I’ll plan better to ensure participation this time.

4. Kick Off Semester 2 with a Blast
   Semester 1 didn’t go my way academically as I ended up with two high B’s in quarter 1. I aim to make sure I keep my grades up and have all A’s

5. Get into a Summer Internship Program (SIP)
   I want to explore career-oriented experiences and excel in a meaningful SIP.

6. Post More Blogs
   My stretch goal is to write and post four blogs a month—one each week—to improve my writing and share my journey.

Reflecting on 2024 has shown me the value of setting goals, even when life throws unexpected challenges. For 2025, I’m building on these experiences with a renewed sense of purpose. Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and achievement!

My First Basketball Tryout Experience

My Basketball Tryout Experience

Hey again! Last month, I had my first-ever basketball tryout, which was also my first high school tryout. Before this, I hadn’t played much basketball apart from some playful games with friends or practicing in my yard. As I suspected, I didn’t make the team, but the experience taught me a lot; not just about the game, but about myself and the importance of preparation.

Most importantly this experience will help me shape my approach to my upcoming soccer tryouts. Whether you’re new to tryouts like me or looking to improve your skills, I hope these insights help you as much as they’re helping me.

1. Encourage Your Team, Talk a Lot, and Act Like a Leader

Showing the coach that you want to be on the team involves more than just your skills, it’s also about leadership. Encourage your teammates, communicate on the court, and demonstrate that you’re invested in helping the team succeed.

How I’ll use this for soccer tryouts: I plan to use my voice as much as possible to motivate my teammates and give constructive feedback. If someone makes a bad decision, I’ll step up to support and guide them.

2. Be Selfless

It’s tempting to focus on showing off your skills during tryouts, but teamwork is just as important. Instead of being selfish with the ball, focus on involving your teammates and creating opportunities for them. Show the coach that you can make smart decisions and play for the team.

How I’ll use this for soccer tryouts: I’ll aim to make smart passes, create openings for my teammates, and only showcase my individual skills when it’s necessary and appropriate.

3. Always Communicate with the Coach

Talking to the coach, even after practice, can make a big difference. Ask for feedback on how to improve and communicate openly about your availability. This shows the coach that you’re serious about being part of the team and committed to growth.

How I’ll use this for soccer tryouts: After every practice, I’ll ask the coach for specific feedback on how I performed and what I can work on. I’ll also make sure to notify the coach if I’m unable to attend any sessions.

These are the lessons I’ve taken away from my basketball tryouts and my plans for improvement as I prepare for soccer tryouts. My soccer tryouts are coming up in February, so stay tuned for another blog post about that experience. Thanks for reading and wish me luck!

That’s it for now—Yash out!

My Take on McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac

One thing I’m not very proud of is my love for McDonald’s. Despite countless reminders from my mom about the impact of unhealthy and junk eating, I often give in to the temptation of McDonald’s burgers and fries.

A few weeks ago, while returning from a late Sunday evening soccer game—which was a rough loss—I saw an ad on my phone for the Big Mac Chicken Burger. Since I don’t eat beef, I’ve never had the classic Big Mac, so this caught my attention. Excited, I asked my mom if we could stop by McDonald’s to try it, and she agreed.

Once we got home and I settled in, it was finally time to try something I thought I’d never experience. I took a deep breath 3, 2, 1and took my first bite. Here are my thoughts:

What I liked:

• The Sauce: It added just the right amount of flavor.

• Double Chicken Patties: The chicken tasted alright and had a great texture but was very close to McNuggets.

• Lettuce: It gave a nice fresh touch at the end.

What I didn’t like:

• Cheese: It was too sticky and overly warm.

• Lacking Flavor Variety: It could use a bit more seasoning and something that made it unique.

• Price: At $7.19 in Kirkland, it felt too expensive for what it offered especially when you compare it to the classic big mac which is $5.99 at the same store.

Overall:
I’d rate this burger a solid 6.5/10. With better cheese and a bit more flavor, I think it could truly stand out. I can’t comment on flavors compared to the classic Big Mac, I’d I expected more value for the money and more unique flavors.

High school 1st quarter already wrapped up

Hey everyone, it’s your blogger Yash here! It feels like just yesterday I was trying to decide which high school to go to, and now my first quarter is already over. Time is flying by way too fast! I thought I’d share some of what this first quarter has been like and the big changes I’ve been dealing with in the move from middle to high school.

Transitioning from Middle to High School

The biggest change for me has been the environment. Coming from a small private school, Willows Preparatory School (WPS), I was used to a close-knit community where I knew pretty much everyone. With only 50-60 students in my grade, it felt like one big family. Now, at Interlake High School, I’ve got around 300-400 peers just in my grade, which has been a major shift! The size of the school building itself took some getting used to, and navigating crowded hallways was overwhelming at first. But the big school atmosphere is starting to feel exciting in its own way.

What’s Going Great So Far

• Extracurricular Extravaganza! Public high school has introduced me to so many clubs and activities. This first quarter, I’ve been exploring clubs like HOSA, Model UN, and Debate, Chess, Math, Science, Newspaper and the list goes on. At WPS, we had a handful of options, but here there’s practically a club for every interest, and students are creating new ones all the time! It’s awesome to have access to all these opportunities to get involved without any extra cost.

• Opportunities for Independence and Full Accountability for My Grades: One big change has been the level of freedom I have here. At WPS, teachers kept a close eye on everyone, and it was easy to rely on them for reminders and support. Now, I’m learning to manage my own assignments and keep track of everything myself. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s pushing me to be more responsible and really take ownership of my work—which I think will pay off in the long run. I stumbled a bit early on and saw the impact on my grades, which made me realize I needed to step up and fix those mistakes to stay on top of things.

• New Friendships: I was a little nervous about making friends, especially since a lot of people already knew each other from middle school. But I’ve already met a few close friends and have connected with a lot of new people. The variety of people here is pretty amazing, and I’m glad to be part of such a big, diverse group.

• School Spirit and Sports: I’ve realized that school spirit is something I really enjoy! Public school has so many ways to show it, from football games and pep rallies to spirit weeks. I’ve been going to our football games cheering for the awesome run of Saints this year, I’m attending the Diwali party next week, and I’m even trying out for the JV soccer and basketball teams. At WPS, we had just set up a basketball team, but there weren’t nearly as many events or teams, so this has been a big change and definitely a highlight of my first quarter.

What’s Been Challenging

• Larger Class Sizes/Student Teacher Ratio: The smaller classes at WPS made it easy to build closer relationships with teachers. Here, with bigger class sizes, there’s less individual attention, which makes it harder to connect. But it’s also pushing me to be more independent and to figure things out on my own, which has been a good challenge.

• Crowded Hallways: Passing periods are chaotic! Everyone’s moving in different directions, and it gets so packed that it’s tough to get to class on time. Sometimes, even when I’m rushing, I still get marked late.

• Food: I do miss the food at WPS—it was healthier, tasted better, and had more variety. It’s a small thing, but definitely one of the little things I took for granted!

Final Thoughts on My First Quarter

Moving from a small private middle school to a large public high school has definitely been a big adjustment. There are still challenges, but I’m already seeing a lot of positives. This first quarter has pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I’m finding that I’m growing from the experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next quarter has in store and can’t wait to keep exploring everything high school has to offer!

Summer Trip Highlight - Goal or Not? @ Anfield Stadium, LFC

This post took much longer than I expected to write. I originally intended to share about my summer trips, but things got busier than I thought, then high school started, which has been an exciting journey so far. Now that I’ve had a moment to breathe, I want to share the highlight of my summer: my trip to Liverpool and the day I spent touring Anfield Stadium.

My mom booked a VIP tour that gave us exclusive access to various areas of the stadium, including the players' changing rooms, therapy rooms, and dining hall. We even had the chance to meet retired players, coaches, and team managers, enjoying a delicious three-course meal (prepared by the team’s chefs) with them while participating in a live Q&A session with Steve McMahon, John Alridge and Phil Thompson

During lunch, they organized a fun game called "Goal or Not," where we watched clips of Liverpool players’ shots from famous games and had to guess whether each shot was a goal. There were about 100 people in the dining hall, and everyone stood up to participate. A clip would be played, and everyone had to guess raising their hand up for goal and keeping it down to not goal. After each guess, those who got it wrong had to sit down. This continued for ten rounds until only three visitors remained—one of whom was me. When the next clip played, I guessed correctly while the other two got it wrong. The game ended right there, and I was invited on stage to receive my prize. Although it wasn't quite age-appropriate, the host and judges admitted they weren’t expecting a kid to win. My prize was a bottle of wine signed by the three.

Last guess - only 3 players left standing

With Steve and the bottle of wine that got framed 

The unconventional meet up

From meeting and playing games online to exchanging phone numbers and finally meeting in person—this is the story of how I met my online friend Alex face-to-face.

How we met:

It all started in 2019 when I was playing Fortnite with my friend Aden. He was one of my only friends at the time since I had just gotten my Xbox. While we were playing, one of Aden’s friends, Alex, joined our game and immediately asked, “Can I join you guys?” Aden and I both said, “Sure,” and we decided to play together. Soon, we were having a blast, winning games left and right. Eventually, Aden had to log off, leaving just me and Alex in the party. It got pretty awkward with neither of us talking much. But I decided to break the ice and asked, “Wanna play duos?” Alex agreed, saying, “Alright, bet.” As we played, we realized we had a lot in common and started to get closer. Before Alex had to go, he asked, “Wanna add each other to play again sometime?” I immediately said, “Sure,” and we added each other as friends, agreeing to play again soon.

Why we met:

During the summer of 2024, I was traveling a lot with my family. We were on the road for my older sister's pre-college programs and college tours. One of the cities we visited was San Diego, where Alex lived. After talking about it with Alex for a while, we decided to see if our moms would let us meet in person. After some discussion, they agreed, and we planned to meet at a trampoline park in San Diego. Alex and I were so excited about finally meeting face-to-face.

When we met:

After touring UC San Diego with my family—my first-ever experience on a college campus—our moms started sharing texts to make the meeting with Alex possible. As excited as I was to explore a college, I couldn’t stop thinking about finally meeting Alex in person. The day had arrived, and I was buzzing with excitement. Around 6:00 p.m., my dad drove me to the trampoline park and dropped me off. When I arrived, I spotted Alex waiting for me. Even though we’d had so much fun online, meeting face-to-face for the first time felt a bit awkward. I could sense our parents were probably a little uneasy too, watching us navigate this new experience.

Alex had brought his cousin Zeus along, which really helped break the ice. Soon enough, we got into the groove of hanging out. The trampoline park was a blast—we were laughing, jumping, and just enjoying each other’s company like we’d been friends forever. I was having such a great time that I didn’t want the day to end, so I asked my dad if I could grab some food with Alex and Zeus afterward. He agreed, and Alex suggested we try a place called Cane’s that he highly recommended. However, we ended up choosing another restaurant because there wasn’t a Cane’s nearby, and with Friday traffic, we wanted to make sure we picked a spot that was convenient for both Alex’s house and our hotel.

After dinner, we said our goodbyes, thinking it was the end of our time together, but two days later, my mom surprised me by telling me that Alex was joining us for dinner. I was thrilled! When he arrived, we picked up right where we left off, talking and laughing as if we had known each other forever. Even our families seemed to hit it off, with my parents getting to know Alex’s mom. Both of us have got to be grateful to have parents who trusted our friendship and made the time and effort for us to meet. Our moms shared several texts and updates to make this work. We ended our time together with some pictures, capturing the start of what felt like a new chapter in our friendship.

Meeting Alex in person was truly an experience of a lifetime. I didn't know what to expect, but I couldn't stop anticipating it. In the end, all of my positive expectations came true, and our bond turned out to be just as strong, if not stronger, than it was online. I can't wait to meet him again and finish the unfinished business of having Cane's chicken with him.

Visiting 3 Countries and 8 cities in 3 weeks - Summer 2024

Hello everyone! Next week I head on a somewhat crazy travel. My mom, sister, and I will be on a trip that I know the three of us will remember forever. We'll begin by dropping off my sister (volesprit.com) at her summer pre-college program at the University of Cambridge in the UK. After that, my mom and I will tour London, Cambridge, and Oxford. Next in our itinerary, as you guessed it, are Liverpool and Manchester (for the love of soccer), where we'll explore the iconic sights and experience the local soccer culture <- there will be a post on just this experience.

After touring UK, we'll take off for Paris for 3 days, where we'll enjoy being the typical tourists - sightseeing, shopping and indulging in some delicious French cuisine—btw, I LOVE CROISSANTS. After Paris, we will still have 10 more days, so we'll continue our travels to India to visit my grandparents and cousins, who, I haven’t met in 2 years.

It's going to be a busy three weeks packed with incredible adventures spanning three countries and eight cities. While I might already feel a bit tired, lol, I'm very excited for all the experiences ahead. Stay tuned for updates—I'll be sharing more about my journey with highlights and photos when I return!

From Noob to Grand Champion: My Rocket League Journey

Hello again everyone! I, Yash the gamer, wanted to share an exciting achievement that has been nothing short of amazing becoming a Grand Champion in Rocket League! It’s been a wild ride, especially since I’ve been playing on an Xbox with a regular TV, and not some $4,000 gaming pc and high-quality monitors running on 360 fps. It has just been me and my tv with a slight Xbox upgrade which was my 14th birthday gift. Grand Champion wasn’t exactly on my radar as an incoming high school freshman, but it has been an incredible experience. I want to share what it takes to reach the top in Rocket League.

Mastering the Basics

Let me start off by saying, Rocket League isn’t just about driving a car and hitting a ball. It’s a high-speed, high-flying, adrenaline-pumping game that requires quick thinking and even quicker reflexes. When I first started playing about 3 yrs ago, I focused on mastering the basics: dribbling, shooting, and defending. These core skills are essential, but they’re just the beginning. After climbing up the ranks I started to learn about the craft of ariel plays and advanced mechanics to make it easier to score.

 Quick Hand Gestures are the key: Playing on an Xbox with a normal TV comes with its own set of challenges. TVs dont come with ultra-low latency or super-high refresh rates to help you out. Your fingers hiave to do the magic - yes It’s all about how fast your fingers can move and how well you can anticipate the game’s flow.

Boost Management: Knowing when to use your boost and when to save it is key. Quick taps on the boost button can make all the difference. But to also make sure while your low on boost to sometimes collect small pads around the map instead of just always going for a big boost pad. This will make you more engaged in the game and keep you more fast paced.

Aerial Maneuvers: Using the right stick for precise aerial control is a must. Flicking the stick quickly can help you adjust your car mid-air for that perfect shot. I would say learn how to aerial at around play as You don’t have to learn ariels at the start of the game although it helps.  

Dodging and Flicks: Double tapping the jump button for dodges and flicks can outmaneuver opponents. It’s all about timing and quick thumb movements. For me these mechanics (flicks in particular) were very crucial to help me ranking up and being able to do different types of flicks makes you even more dangerous.  

Consistency and Practice

 Consistency is everything in Rocket League. I set aside time every day to practice. It wasn’t always easy, especially with schoolwork and other activities. Playing regularly helped me improve my muscle memory and reaction time. Also, a big thing that helps is playing with people that are higher rank than you as you learn a lot of things such as pace of the game, control with the ball and much more through the experience

  Planning and Perseverance

Reaching Grand Champion didn’t happen overnight. It’s been over three years of planning, playing on and off, and steadily improving my skills. There were times when I took breaks, got frustrated, and even thought about giving up. But the love for the game and the goal of becoming a Grand Champion kept pulling me back. Now the next goal for me is Super Sonic Legend which is the next rank in the game, but also the highest rank in the game.

Teamwork and Communication

Rocket League is a team game. Even if you’re amazing individually, you need to sync with your teammates. Playing with friends or finding a regular team helped me develop chemistry and communication skills. Using quick chats effectively and understanding my teammates’ play styles made a huge difference in our performance.

The Thrill of Victory

 Finally, after countless hours of practice, late-night gaming sessions, and a lot of trial and error, I made it to Grand Champion rank. The feeling was indescribable. All the hard work, the frustration of losing streaks, and the joy of comebacks culminated in this moment of triumph. It’s a reminder that success can come from the most unexpected places.

 Beyond the Game

 While becoming a Grand Champion wasn’t my primary goal as a freshman, it taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and balancing my passions with my responsibilities. It’s proof that dedication to something you love, even if it’s not the conventional path to success, can lead to incredible achievements.

So, to all my fellow gamers out there, keep pushing, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep having fun. Whether you’re playing on a high-end gaming rig or a regular TV with an Xbox, remember that it’s your skills and determination that will take you to the top.

Thanks for reading and see you on the field!

Learning new lessons through haircut

Since my early toddler days, I stood out as a boy with long hair. Long locks weren't just a style for me; they were part of who I was. I grew attached to them over the years and wasn't ready to part ways. However, joining CAP marked the end of that era.

Despite knowing that shorter hair was a requirement for advancing in the program, I resisted the idea until I received feedback indicating it was necessary to wear the official CAP uniform and to progress within the program. This feedback served as a wake-up call. I realized that if I wanted to fully participate and advance in the CAP cadet program—to wear the uniform proudly and earn promotions—I needed to comply with the grooming standards, including cutting my hair.

Reflecting on the values of the Civil Air Patrol—integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect—I understood that adhering to these standards was not just about following rules but also about demonstrating respect for the organization and its values. It was a step toward embracing change and showing commitment to my goals.

Finally, I decided to go ahead and cut my hair. It was a significant moment for me, symbolizing my readiness to adapt and embrace new challenges. To my surprise, I found that I actually liked my new hairstyle, but more importantly, I felt a sense of accomplishment and readiness to fully engage in the CAP cadet program.

Joining the Civil Air Patrol became a transformative experience for me, teaching me valuable lessons about responsibility, respect, and personal growth. I learned that sometimes, growth requires us to step out of our comfort zones and make changes, ultimately leading to new opportunities and experiences that shape us for the better.

How a Recognition in the Civil Air Patrol Built My Commitment

I joined the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) last September, primarily drawn by the promise of aerospace education and flying. These were the parts of the program I thought would be the most interesting, and while they were enjoyable, I didn't feel any deeper connection to CAP. That changed dramatically after I received my first promotion.     

After six months of training, I was promoted to Senior Airman. This recognition felt like a major milestone and brought with it a surge of enthusiasm I hadn't experienced before. Initially, CAP seemed like a cool way to learn about airplanes and flight. However, this promotion made me realize there was much more to it.  

On the day I learned about my promotion, my mom and I argued on the way home from school about my commitment to the program. She said it was up to me whether to attend the CAP meeting that night or even in the future. An hour later, we received an email announcing my promotion, and everything changed. My excitement soared, and without hesitation, I decided I had to go to the meeting. I raced to my room to change into my uniform, and we headed out. At the weekly meeting, I would receive my new insignia during the ceremony, a moment I was eager to capture on camera. 

Top of Form

The atmosphere at the CAP meeting that night was different. I felt proud and welcomed by my peers and instructors. This wasn't just about rank; it was a recognition of my hard work and commitment to the program. Suddenly, I saw the broader benefits of CAP beyond just learning about aerospace.  

While online training and drill tests are crucial parts of the promotion process, they were never the things that excited me. I completed them to progress, but my attitude changed after that promotion. Now, I approached these tasks with a new level of engagement, understanding that they were stepping stones toward personal growth and achievement. The online training modules helped me develop discipline and focus, while the drill tests improved my precision and teamwork.  

Being part of CAP also means attending regular meetings, listening to guest speakers, and participating in various skill-building activities. These events, which once seemed like mere requirements, took on a new significance. I began to see them as opportunities to learn, connect, and grow as a person. I started volunteering for extra tasks, not because I had to, but because I wanted to contribute and be part of this unique community. 

Receiving my first promotion opened my eyes to the broader scope of CAP. It wasn’t just about aerospace education and flying anymore; it was about leadership, teamwork, and personal development. I now look forward to each meeting, knowing there's always something new to learn and new ways to challenge myself. This journey has become more exciting, and I can't wait to see where it leads me. With CAP, I've found a place where I can grow, connect, and truly make a difference.  

Flying Experience

In the fall, my sister and I eagerly joined a Civil Air Patrol program. We were thrilled at the prospect of delving into aerospace, learning about aeronautics, embracing discipline, and serving our community. Little did I know, this program would offer me the chance of a lifetime – to become a co-pilot and see the world from a bird's eye view.

Our first scheduled flight was before Thanksgiving, but weather conditions had other plans for us. Rescheduled and determined, we found ourselves racing against time due to a miscommunication hiccup on the day of the flight. Ready in our uniforms, we hurried to the airfield where we met our pilot, Devin, who guided us through the aircraft before takeoff.

As we settled in, alternating between front and back seats, I found myself in the co-pilot's seat first. The cockpit buzzed with excitement as Devin explained the controls and safety procedures. The weight of responsibility settled on my shoulders, mingling with the thrill of anticipation. I was about to take flight, not as a mere passenger, but as a co-pilot charting our course through the skies.

The engine roared to life, and we soared into the vast expanse above. As we cruised over Bellingham, the breathtaking views of Puget Sound unfolded beneath us. The shimmering waters sparkled in the sunlight, stretching as far as the eye could see. Islands dotted the landscape like emerald jewels, settled amidst the blue sea.

Initially, fear was taking over my excitement. The unfamiliarity of the cockpit and the responsibility of assisting the pilot weighed heavily on my mind. But as we gained altitude, my apprehension faded away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of exhilaration. I was part of something extraordinary – a symphony of metal and wind, dancing amidst the clouds.

However, the physical toll of flying hit me unexpectedly. My stomach churned, threatening to betray my composure. Despite the discomfort, I persevered, determined not to let it ruin the experience. As I glanced outside, the discomfort faded, replaced by sheer joy at the breathtaking view below.

After a break, we switched seats. Now, I was just a regular passenger. No big responsibilities, just enjoying the ride. It was different but still cool.

Reflecting on the journey, I realized how much perspective matters. Sitting in the co-pilot's seat offered a unique blend of stress and freedom, while the passenger's seat provided a more relaxed perspective.

My first flight as a co-pilot was a whirlwind of emotions – from nervousness to exhilaration, discomfort to joy. It taught me to overcome fear, pushing me beyond my comfort zone and opening my eyes to new possibilities. As I bid farewell to the cockpit, I carried with me memories of an unforgettable adventure.

So here's to the thrill of soaring through the skies and the lessons learned along the way. Until next time, happy flying!

My 2024 Goals`

1. Get 2 promotions at Civil Air Patrol.

2. Build greater appreciation for Reading. I will aim to read 3 books a month.

3. STP 2024. I also want to do RSVP but that will depend on my sisters’ precollege program schedule. She is going to the University of Cambridge summer college program, and I will be joining her. No, I won’t attend, just drop her off and tour around with our mom.

4. Start high school with a bang!! I want to enter high school with an honors course in Algebra, but that depends on which school I land in and their policies for grade transfer. Whether I stay at WPS, go to LW High or this other private school close my house will be revealed in February.

5. Most importantly - pay extra attention to non-math subjects and improve writing.

6. Get more organized. Fix my closet every Saturday afternoon.