Published in the Sept. 30 – Oct. 13, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Connor Noyces
Connor Noyes
Since I was a boy, I knew exactly what I wanted to do after graduating from high school. I have never desired anything more in my life than going to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and becoming an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now a junior at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose, I’m steadily working toward being accepted into that military academy, following the tenet of Developmental Asset #39 that expounds the invaluable truth that all young adults should realize that their “life has a purpose.”
We are all born as children with a potential to succeed and achieve greatness. Each and every one of us can find our direction and purpose in life, yet many never even try. In the wise words of Earl Nightingale: “Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.”
Finding a purpose in life and achieving success are very closely related. If one never sets goals and instead lets doubt, worry and confusion control his or her way of thinking, a person will never achieve his or her potential. Setting goals, having confidence and planning for your future can build the foundation for success.
A positive and focused attitude contributes greatly to building optimism and a greater sense of purpose. As young adults, we all have value and we all have something to contribute. So if you are ever feeling down, unappreciated and unknowing of what you want to accomplish in the future, just realize that you can take the initiative.
Don’t let others discourage you and your pursuit of self-discovery. You can realize your purpose in life if you just look for it. However, don’t do something just because it’s popular or it looks good to other people. What we need to work toward as youths is to find a passion to build a life around. This is where the implementation of goals comes into play. After we have the attitude and confidence to do great things, goals will create the path that will lead us to our purpose in this world.
Serving in the Marines after four years of education at Annapolis would fulfill my goals. It is the process of pursuing this goal that will empower me to achieve other successes in life. I am confident that I will find a sense of purpose to make a difference no matter what path I take. As Earl Nightingale exhorted: “Life should be an exciting adventure — not a bore. A man should be happy to get up in the morning.”
Connor Noyes is a 16-year-old junior at Archbishop Mitty High School. He enjoys playing soccer and learning about history. He wrote this column for Morgan Hill Life.
