Trail Blaze

View from Stanley Park

Just a few days ago, I was able to embark on an hour long bike ride along Stanley Park. Generally speaking, the trial along the park and back down to Coal Harbour is quite straight forward. With no rugged pathways and well paved and managed cyclist lanes, all bikers of all levels can easily complete the route without any difficulty. In fact, it is almost impossible to get lost on this trail since it is one-way only, with signs along the way to guide you to wherever you are going. The Seawall and Stanley Park trail is a good place to bike along before the end of this summer!

Open End

The last few weeks have been a little bit rough. No, not because of school (school hasn't started yet), but because of challenges with balancing work and life. Thankfully, I was able to relieve some of my everyday stress through a hike at Quarry Rock. This wonderful trail consists of a few bumps and slopes; nothing too challenging. Nonetheless, there are a few tricky parts where you need to think of the best way possible to continue the trail. The trail eventually leads to a beautiful scenery of the Indian Arm. What a good way to relax and to enjoy nature!

The view at the top of Quarry Rock often reminds me of the endless amount of opportunities that lie ahead in our future after enduring years of hard work. I often see this in our education system, whether from Kindergarten to Grade 12, or in post secondary education. While in school, like many other students, I often ponder this very common question: what is the point of studying day and night? Is it simply to get a piece of paper that says I graduated, or is there a more meaningful purpose than that? This is similar to the long hike before reaching the fantastic view on the rock: is it worth it to hike all the way to the top and back? What can I do at the end of the hike? In both scenarios, it works out to be much more than I could ever imagine. On the top of rock is an unforgettable scenery, with the opportunity to look miles beyond the shoreline. In education, it is a world of opportunities that you'll uncover that will contribute to your growth professionally (through memorable work experiences) along with your knowledge of your home, society, and universe.

So never think that what your doing is pointless...the opportunities that lie ahead are endless!!!

Struggles Through Stairs

This summer, I decided to conquer the Grouse Grind, one of the hardest trails in Metro Vancouver, once again for the 10th time over the last 2 years. However, I still experience the same mentality while going up those stairs, even to this date:

For the 1/4, I regret making the decision to walk up the mountain..

At the half way point, I am mentally and physically exhausted...

At the 3/4 mark, I tell myself that I'm almost there, and that I don't have much to go (at this point, my calves are killing me, and most of my water is gone)

At the finish line, I feel so proud of myself for accomplishing this challenging task of completing the Grouse Grind that I want to do it all over again.

...and trust me, this happens to most people in some way or form.

But overtime, I've discovered that life is somewhat like the Grouse Grind in almost every challenge or obstacle that one must overcome in order to become successful. For myself, this can be seen through my academic life. As a student, I choose to undergo years of education in order to be successful in life. Very similar to my first time conquering the Grind, I enter the path into a destiny filled with uncertainty and excitement; unknown of the challenges that will lie ahead, yet curious of the rewards that lie at the end of the path. In the  first few steps into the path, I convince myself that it is not too bad. But, as I continue onto the first section of the path, I realize that it is not as easy as it seems. With immense amounts of studying, endless nights of completing assignments and essays, and day after day of preparing for tests and exams, my path to getting a Dogwood Diploma from high school seems to be almost unattainable. Sometimes, it almost seems impossible. Yet, despite the stress I put on myself to achieve this goal, I somehow keep on going. Finally, with great pride, I was able to achieve my goal just a month ago: I graduated out of high school with honours and a few scholarships. Now, as a graduated high school student, I restart my journey in my education again as I prepare to endure an additional four years to obtain my BBA degree. Although I am unsure and a little afraid of what lies ahead, I know that achieving my goal will not only enhance my skills, but also to help me grow as a person. Most importantly, I am determined to achieve that sense of pride, of accomplishment, within myself, once again. Thus, I embark on the long, difficult journey once again to seek the ultimate goal at the end of the path: a Bachelor's degree.

Whether it be the Grouse Grind, education, or anything that you are hoping to achieve, just remember to keep on going forward and never give up along the path towards your dreams. No matter how hard the journey is, keep on pushing forward; because your ultimate prize is waiting for you to be claimed at the end of the path, filled with proof of your strength to overcome challenges, and your determination to succeed.