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William Stephenson, On Doing More In Life
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| Wednesday, September 24, 2008 |
My name is William Stephenson; I grew up in Manasquan and have spent most of my life in New Jersey. I would like to speak with you about achieving your best, make the most of your assets and achieve your greatest dreams.
I was raised with the adage that my achievements have been limited to the height I could imagine. It is a commonly used online and a source of inspiration that many parents share with their children. At the time, these words does not so much for me. On reflection, however, the spirit of these words were always present in my sub-conscience blind.
When I was only 9 years old, I have 2-way paper opposite ends of the city. It is a document morning, the beginning of the ledger, so both the roads have been completed by 7am. I pedaled fast to leave the beach and Manasquan change in time for school. The beginning of wealth that I enjoyed with many crucial lessons which will then fuel my future achievements.
By learning the power of hard work and money at a younger age, an age when we are all very impressionable, he forever solidified the relationship between the two. I am extremely grateful to my parents to support me in these first desires. The importance of this work should not be highlighted, for me, he helped train one of my fundamental values in life, responsibility.
By learning to do for myself and not wait for someone else to take responsibility, I have acquired not only things faster, but I had the feeling to have won myself .
The early money has been invested wisely, not an IRA, not a 401K, I have used these funds for flying lessons at the airport Allaire. At age 13, I was talking with an uncle to me. He was a war hero to me, who fought in Korea. He said he always regretted not learning to fly. For one reason or another, its regret warned me not to follow his path. I cut 50% discount from a coupon Entertainment Guide for a first flight lesson. Well, soaring above my hometown and central New Jersey served two purposes. First, he instantly sold on the joys of flight. Second, and more importantly, it extended my scope in the world, it effectively reduces the size of it and led me to believe that it would be easier to win now. Again, I must thank my parents for allowing me to circle their home at 1000 feet. They clearly had not read all the reports of accidents on this scenario.
About a year after that first flight lesson, I accomplished one of my most rewarding achievements. I was officially involved in Boy Scout Troop 59 of Manasquan for only 4 years old when I had peaked in reaching the rank of Eagle Scout. To date, less than 2% of all scouts make it that far. To date, and I still do not know why this percentage has remained so low. Even at age 14, my car was beyond my moments. Eagle Scout Each applicant must appear before a review board to validate its price and confirm that, in fact, it extols the virtues befitting the stage. At the board of directors to review the applicant is between and beyond several of its former suppliers and a representative of the Council, the Board of Directors of many troops.
I puzzled all that night, not on purpose of course. All I had to do was answer some questions and I would like to be an Eagle Scout. Later I was told that the elders of my troop were themselves kicking under the table. They would have preferred that I said rather less than more that night.
I was interviewed on my conscience of the high honor they give me soon. My answers and my feelings in general to the rank of Eagle Scout at the time were slightly dismissive. Quite frankly, I saw the rank of Eagle as another step along the track testing. In fact, as they pressed me on why I do not seem enthusiastic about it as perhaps the former were, I told them that each scout should follow the logic that I and taken to reach the rank as well. My point of that evening is that I felt the very act of holding this rank on a pedestal was a challenge for most attain scouts. I think most scouts could receive the reward if it was not placed so high above them. Of course, this might dilute the experience at the same time.
After much back and forth, I acquiesced and agreed that it was indeed a tremendous achievement. I was now one of the youngest Eagle Scouts of our troops in the storied history. My years in scouting provided too many memories and stories to share with you this evening, however, the leadership skills that I cultivated during those years would be crucial. They played a key role in all major achievements and after this step. I think the Scouts to be a fine for our youth when supplemented by parental responsibilities. Its effects are incalculable.
Psychologists say that the majority of our basic learning is acquired by age 16, if indeed in this case, the importance of our early decisions is paramount. The more healthy lifestyle useful businesses and take part in this phase in life, the better.
Soon I was off to college at the University of South Carolina. I worked almost continuously through these years and took my virtues instead of employment. I found myself in a situation where the status quo held. It is certainly easier in the short term to follow the example, but the first pack in the workplace offers much more long-term returns. Standing and shaking the system takes courage or simply a set of beliefs that does not take into account the consequences. That is why leader in life is critical. When you put yourself in the driver's seat, you are liable under peer pressure-May that lead people astray.
Throughout these years, my love for flight has never ceased. I worked to learn and that the correlation seems always to get me through the most difficult days. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in a field to fly abroad, I returned home and completed the flight notice required to call myself a professional pilot. I have now been paid to give tours of the Hudson River and around the Statue of Liberty. It was a tremendous feeling of being right back where I started 10 years ago even further. I is now paid for each of these coveted flight hours required for advancement, ironically, I felt?
Another key lesson during this phase of my life was how two steps back could lead oneself miles ahead. I left this wonderful work Allaire at the airport and bet on a new business to Teterboro Airport in North Jersey. I made less money and added an hour to my commute each way. Many thought I was crazy, but I was looking beyond tomorrow.
For the next 6 years, I participated in a niche market in the world aviation business. I flew to organ transplantation teams around the country in Lear jets, King Airs and Barons. It was hard work, we have often been put into action at the last minute and it was usually midnight. Years later, I will be rewarded for those efforts in a much more accurate than my salary. More than treatment soon.
The challenges that have forced me and my cohorts in this position codified learned that work ethic as a paper boy years earlier. One of the lessons he taught me that we are becoming more and any action or inaction affects us participate in our future. We must not look at each day than any day. Each morning we wake up is another opportunity to better ourselves. Rarely has anyone among us remain stagnant, we are either moving the head or behind in life. We make these choices all day and all day.
After nine years in the aviation industry, I had once again reached a peak. I took a job on a Challenger jet aboard a Fortune 200 company and its owners in the world. The first $ paper route that I invested in flight training have come full circle. The execution of the Star Ledger has broadened my horizons in the literal sense. My world has actually declined in the afternoon at the age of 13 when I took my first flight and my first flight lesson.
To help drive this point home, about how every action we take today ready to our success or failure tomorrow, let me tell you about my high school prom date. Edie was one of the most unique people attending Manasquan High School during my years there. I quickly noticed something special about him. At the time of our high-PROM, she had a boyfriend in another institution. Because of these circumstances, I certainly not looking short term when I asked my date of the event. I was looking far into my future and, recently, which has paid for me too. On 5 May this year Edie and I were married in Manahawkin, NJ, my love of high school is now much more and forever.
Now, as promised, a value of the award so much more than a check. About a year ago I found myself in a suite for my friend's grandmother. In this sequel I was introduced to the parents of a 6 years boy. I expected to meet these people because I knew their son was given a tour of Giant's Stadium a few years before, compliments of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. We had some friends in football organization. As I talked with the parents of the boy, I was less interested in the NY Giants and more interested in what their child has suffered to warrant the attention of the foundation. The father said his son Stephen received a heart transplant in early 2001. As they ask me on the NY Giants, I persisted with questions about his son heart. Well, as it turned out, about midnight, in early 2001, my co-pilot and I flew to Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and Stephen Retrieved heart. Confirming details of the missionafter subsequently made me very emotional. This was the closest I was ever to realize the fruits of my work. About two weeks later, we all gathered near the home of Stephen and enjoy all the Super Bowl. Stephen told me after a few hours, "I thank you from my heart."
Now, in conclusion, I am no different than any other person in this room. The only privilege I had more and more of my parents was blessing on the many desires I came to the house each week. Fortunately, they themselves have the courage to let me take things to their conclusion. Well, I'm always reach. When I fly over 41,000 feet and I look to the stars at night, they just do not seem so far away. Every one of these stars seems inviting me to him. I know there is something behind each and stars more than I can look back, the more I grow up. Harness you live each day and before you know you'll be leading life, not simply live. |
posted by neptunus @ 10:32 PM
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