The Formula:The Distributive Property of Achievement

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Samantha Lane
  • 442d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  I have tested a formula...motivation plus education multiplied by consistency and capital equals achievement, period.

Regardless of your socioeconomic status, if you are motivated enough to accomplish your targets and take the time to acquire the necessary skill set you can do anything.

Recently, while in Nepal I took in some of the most surreal views of amber sunrises reflecting off the beautifully snow capped mountains of Nuptse, Everest and Lhotse as well as mesmerizing nights under densely filled starry skies. The sights were unparalleled to anything I had ever seen before and I felt extremely blessed to witness it all first hand.

I was immediately moved to tears because the concept of “someday” was today.

I had cultivated a desire into fruition. The only other thing I wanted to do in that moment was shout from the depths of my heart to kids everywhere that what I was experiencing was even better than I thought it would be and that they should try it too!.

Having spent time with children in Guatemala last year and in Nepal this year, I can tell you that in stark contrast to the landscape, the disparaging poverty levels and lack of access to public education in these regions is difficult to look at. The Nepalese students pictured below walk 45 minutes and 75 meters up daily to attend school in their village. Still they are fortunate, the earthquake in 2015 destroyed 31000 classrooms negatively impacting over one million children.

Did you know the average years of schooling for a Nepalese child in the Himalayan region is 1.9 and 4.1 for Guatemalan children? Data provided by UNICEF this year reflects 29 percent of Guatemalan and 37 percent of Nepalese children are engaged in child labor. These statistics are unacceptable.

In the United States we have been afforded with exceptional opportunities, however; there are still students that could use a little motivation. Wright Flight is a wonderful organization that teams at risk children with people who are interested in making a positive impact.

These same children will be charged with the disruptive innovations for our country’s industries even if they don’t quite realize it yet. As important as it is to have access to public education it is equally important that someone along the way encourage them to seek all possibilities.

This will be my third year volunteering with Wright Flight and if you have the time, we could use your help. I am challenging you to rock your comfort zone a bit, whether it it be for an organization like this one or another pursuit to entice the human spirit.

Next up is a safari in the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro the first of my seven targeted summits. I am ecstatic about increasing my knowledge on education issues in the surrounding area in addition to testing what I am made of to inspire kids to do the same. It is my hope that children everywhere have the courage to continuously push the boundaries of their own physical, mental, and spiritual capabilities.

Author Clayton Christensen in his best seller “How will you measure your life?” asks us to examine our units of measurement for a life well lived. I can attest that supporting organizations like Wright Flight, Habitat for Humanity, and time spent as a camp counselor in Texas has made my cup runneth over.

Take a moment to consider teaming with Wright Flight this year. Together we can and will make an impact.