Personal Achievement Everyone Has Achieved

Personal Achievement

Everyone has achieved something. For some people an achievement is playing sports; for others it is receiving good grades. Webster's dictionary defines achievement as a 'great or heroic deed' or 'something accomplished by valor, boldness or praiseworthy exertion.' Achievement is also defined as accomplishing a task successfully. Throughout the course of our lives we all have ample opportunities to achieve something, whether it be great or something relatively minor. Today and every day, I am concerned with realizing not just an achievement, but an outstanding achievement.

What makes an achievement outstanding? An outstanding achievement is one that a person has worked diligently for and is proud of. An outstanding achievement is one that infuses the person who has accomplished it with pride, confidence and satiety. It is also an achievement that one accomplishes through adversity, challenge and hard work. Some achievements are relatively easy to attain, others are not. Those that are difficult to achieve typically result in the greatest reward, and thus fall into the realm of outstanding.

I consider my outstanding achievement to be acquiring the position of field commander (director) of my high school's marching band. Why is this achievement so significant for me? My achievement represents the fulfillment of a journey and a dream. Since my freshman year in high school, I dreamed about becoming field commander. I imagined what it would be like to hear my name at football games and for people to see me leading the band. Most of all, I considered all the things I could add to the marching band and school as a team if I were elected as field commander. I knew that deep down I had something to contribute to the team, and I made a commitment early on in my academic career to realize my goals and dreams. I also knew that above all else I wanted the opportunity to lead, and to teach people to love and appreciate music in the way that I did. To achieve my dream I had to lead.

How did I become leader? I set a goal. I decided I had to put in 110% effort to ensure that I became field commander. I also recognized that to be a field commander, I had to be not simply a leader, but a strong leader, I had to be confident in my skills and abilities so I could lead confidently and inspire others to achieve greatness. A leader isn't simply one who directs a group of people. A leader is someone who has the ability to inspire. I knew that deep down I had the ability to inspire, I just had to figure out how to bring out that talent and share it with others, so that I could also inspire others to greatness.

Did I face challenges along the way? Of course, and that is why my achievement is that much more meaningful. There are always challenges one must face when trying to reach a goal. My biggest challenge was recognizing that I had to stand out from other students. To accomplish this I worked outside of school to enhance my directing skills. I also worked with my band instructor to improve my abilities. I never gave up in the face of challenge. I committed myself to extra hours practicing, despite a busy course load and family obligations. I never once wavered from my path and my vision.

When I became field commander, I realized I was more than the average student. The marching band has more than 200 members, and there were thirty people that tried out for the filed commander position. I knew that my efforts had been worthwhile, and that I had been true to myself along the way. During my journey toward field commander, I studied directing patterns and used band music on CD's at home in order to practice learning the directing patterns. I stood in my living room with my family watching and giving me pointers. I knew it was important to take into consideration criticism and praise. Whenever anyone had something to contribute to my growth and understanding I did my best to listen objectively and incorporate their suggestions for improvement. I never once balked at the idea of changing my strategy or trying something a different or unique way. In the end, I was proud of myself for setting a goal and achieving it.

I believe my achievement is outstanding. Remember that an outstanding achievement is something different for everyone. For me I endured hours upon hours of practice. I set a goal early in my academic career and never wavered. I faced many challenges, but always did so with an open mind and an open spirit. I gladly accepted criticism when due, and worked hard to develop my skills and abilities as a leader and as a member of the marching band team. I wanted to not only achieve the best for myself, but also lead in a manner that positively influenced those around me to the greatest extent possible.