Remember when you bombed that geology exam and thought your GPA was about to drop like a rock? But guess what? It wasn\u2019t the end of the world; it was just the beginning of a valuable lesson in resilience, determination, and the art of bouncing back.<\/p>\nLt. Col. Henry G. Heren IV, USSF, Ret.,\u00a0UNLV \u201999<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Now, let\u2019s talk about seeking out challenging opportunities. Picture this: you\u2019re standing at a crossroads, staring at two doors. Door number one is the safe, comfortable route\u2014where you know exactly what to expect and where your biggest challenge is deciding what toppings to get on your pizza (pro tip: always go with Canadian bacon and mushrooms). What will the other door reveal? Well, that\u2019s where the magic happens. It\u2019s scary, uncertain, and filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and become the best version of yourself I know you\u2019re destined to be. Sure, it might feel like you\u2019re embarking on an epic quest armed with only a rusty sword and a map drawn by a particularly unhelpful squirrel, but trust me, it\u2019s worth it. Behind every challenge exists a chance to test your limits, discover new strengths, and maybe even stumble upon a hidden talent or two (who knew you\u2019d enjoy ballroom dance?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his book, The Obstacle Is the Way<\/em>, Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of cultivating resilience and moral fortitude by embracing the obstacles in our path as a means for true personal growth and development. Phi Delta Theta provides an environment where members can shoulder additional responsibilities (i.e., ratchet up the discomfort level) and develop qualities by engaging in philanthropic activities, participating in organizational culture (remember, \u201cone man is no man\u201d means in part that we accomplish more together), and embracing ethical leadership roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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So, my dear college-aged self, embrace adversity like that cheerleader outfit embraced you on the sidelines of those powderpuff football games (GO SIGMA KAPPA!). And when seeking out challenging opportunities, don\u2019t be afraid to kick down a few doors (metaphorically speaking) and dive headfirst into the unknown (remember the metaphorical helmet) because that\u2019s how you become the greatest version of your future self . . . me. Keep dreaming, keep pushing yourself, and above all, keep being unapologetically you. Because trust me, you\u2019re capable of achieving some pretty incredible things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With a healthy dose of hindsight,
Your Older, Wiser, and Less Gymnastically Inclined Self<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lt. Col. Henry G. Heren IV, USSF, Ret.,\u00a0UNLV \u201999<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Fulfilled Potential<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Henry’s story is a great example of Fulfilled Potential. Unlocking that greatness requires investing in educational excellence and cultivating a supportive community around each member, thereby revealing their full potential. Successes are celebrated. Mistakes are transformed into learning. And new dimensions and definitions of intelligence let each discover and develop their unique skills and talents.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n