Kenan Millet
9-29-09
My Life Changing Experience
I was busted and the Scoutmaster came to have a conference with me in what we called the barn. As I walked with him up to the barn, I was pondering what would happen when it struck me like a bullet, I was going to leave N.Y.L.T. We finally arrived in the barn and I recognized the hours spent studying with vital information, challenging competitions, and shocking surprises. We talked abut the story for what seemed like hours. “Do you know we have a zero tolerance policy?” The Scoutmaster said.
“Yes.” I replied.
“And I assume you read the code of conduct.”
“Yes.”
The tension in the room built up as we continued our conversation when the assistant scoutmaster came into the room. I then repeated everything that I said to the scoutmaster like a hammer pounding a nail. The scoutmaster and assistant scoutmaster decided that I make a choice between three hard options. “You have three options. One you have no consequences and stay at N.Y.L.T. Two, you have consequences, but stay at N.Y.L.T. Three, you leave N.Y.L.T and come back next year. “I guess I’ll leave N.Y.L.T.” I said, “If I stay, then the rules will mean nothing. This place has a zero tolerance policy and the rules clearly state no physical contact of any kind will be tolerated. If I stay, then the policy, the rules, and even the leadership that this training is based off of, will all be for nothing. It will have no purpose and every kid will receive the same messege that they can get away with punching kids.”
“If that is your decision then call your mom”, the assistant scoutmaster said. My hands started to sweat as I reached for the phone. My mind could not get over the fact that I was leaving N.Y.L.T. out of my mind. Every time it faded out, it blazed right back in reminding me what I did wrong. I was about to burst into tears from the experience. All the money that was paid, all the blood that was shed, all the effort put into it. Was all of it for nothing? No! I was not going to back down! I learned what I did at N.Y.L.T. and nothing is going to change that! I was driven to the entrance of N.Y.L.T. Brian, the Senior Patrol Leader of my troop and a very good friend was extremely upset about this. “Personally Kenan, I wish you chose something other than the third choice.” He said. With that, I drove off, my mom crying, Brian with his head bent in sorrow, and me filled with hate for myself, sorrow for myself, and full intention of returning burning in my heart. My last words were, “Make sure you visit sometime Brian. Make sure you tell Achynthia I’m sorry.” When life builds a wall in front of you that you can’t climb, you take the wall apart and make steps to a higher road. You turn adversity into advantage.
Word Count: 500
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