Here is a ten-minute snippet about maturity, growth, and opinions. One of the things that has been on my mind a lot recently is hope. I am becoming more and more disillusioned with the adult generation because many of them don't have it together. Growing up our parents are our primary role model, but they are flawed. Not to externalize anxiety or fear for you guys, but that is the way it is. I do find hope. Originally I viewed the future world as dismal because as I grew accustomed to the way people acted more and more, I saw them as unsuccessful. Unsuccessful as in not perfect. Nobody is perfect and perfection is the color of the incomplete. We all try to grow and adapt, but some ways are better than others. Maybe there is or isn't an absolute way, and maybe we're all just trying different flavors of wrong.  Pursuit of self actualization drives us to be amazing people. I now understand that there is a reason not every person has their marbles in place. Not everything is black and white. I still cling onto hope because I know there are other people out there that are doing the things that I do. If you can attend Boys State Legion of Kansas, go. Don't even consider it a question, you will be going. I have never had such an opportunity to see such high functioning teens and lazy geniuses. Basically you spend a week at K-State and play a simulation government with 200 other boys who are all specially chosen by their school because of their talent. The dynamic of many other successful, driven, hardworking, and intelligent boys creates a synergy that I can't put into words. I've never seen a team so bonded so easily and quick. The people there are cream of the crop. Throughout the week you can speak in front of hundreds and develop way too many skills. The biggest takeaway was method. There are hundreds of methods to lead and grow. I saw so many diverse styles of leadership that I have already implemented into my life. I use these skills in clubs, sports, academics, and everything in between. I am glad to be maturing. I am glad to be growing. I have hope because there are thousands out there that use their skills so well and are already turning out amazing results. Be one of them. Go change the world. Everyone can do it. -Dom