To What Extent Does One Answer The Fear Of Greatness

How does one answer the question of what motivates them? Do they consider the fear of insignificance? The hope of greatness? For me, the answer lies somewhere between an assessment of my own peculiarities, a reflection on where I have been, and an anticipation of where I could go. Since the formative experiences of my childhood, there has been a distinct set of passions that have subsequently shaped the course of my life. After disassembling my parents’ x486 Packard Bell at the age of 11, I became enamored with computers and how they worked. This curiosity drove my decision to apprentice for a local computer shop, work for the Geek Squad, and ultimately pursue an Information Technology degree at the Naval Academy. Involvement with the …show more content…
Having the medal draped around my neck after a 50-mile ultramarathon, legs quivering and my body depleted to a new-found state of exhaustion, was a life-changing event. Beyond testing my body to the limits, running has helped me to discover a level of tenacity I was once unaware I possessed. Tenacity, the fuel for the pursuit of my passions, has allowed me to put one foot in front of the other, stay focused, and finish the race. In the Navy, adversity is commonplace, a daily reminder of what it means to answer the call to serve. Although some situations are more arduous to deal with than others, the Captain of a ship cannot tell the Admiral, “I’m sorry Sir, we will not be able to launch Tomahawk missiles tonight.” Despite hardship or difficulty, we owe our commanders and the American people nothing less than successful mission accomplishment. From running underneath the archway of the Boston Marathon, to graduating from the Naval Academy and completing my five years of naval service, there have been many situations that have tested my resolve. Following a knee injury, doctors have told me I would never run again. Certain classes at the Naval Academy required a level of focus and effort that I was not previously accustomed. Exhaustion pushes me to run faster. Adversity encourages me to dig deeper. Tenacity emboldens my convictions, focusing my efforts …show more content…
What would it mean to me? Although I will always remain appreciative and humbled by having had the opportunity to serve in the Navy, I have recently felt a strong desire to serve my country in a different capacity. Despite operating cutting-edge weapons systems over the past five years, the direct education and utilization of my passion for computers is where my heart is calling me next. Inspired by my brief internship with the NSA, transitioning to a federal position involved in the cyber realm promises to fulfill the same embedded convictions that have brought me to this point in my life – computers, service, and a desire to lead. Additionally, I firmly believe cyberspace is the next frontier for future warfare. Our country needs strong leaders, passionate about the field and dedicated to the mission, to defend its networks and its people. I believe life is too short to ask, “What if?” or imagine what life might have been like had a different decision been made. Notwithstanding being unsure of where this journey might lead, establishing a solid base of knowledge through an excellent education fosters personal aspirations for eventual service at the executive level. Seeking ways to weave my passions throughout the course of my life’s journey, I look to bring my convictions and tenacity with me to the Federal Government in the continual service of my