DamienWrit340

 After I graduate, I will commission as a U.S. Army officer, a role that will allow me to pursue my passion for service and leadership while making a real impact in the world. As an officer, I will have the responsibility to not only lead but to embody the values of equality, peace, and justice that are essential for building a better future for all. In the Army, I will work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, fostering cooperation and understanding across borders. My actions will contribute to global efforts to maintain peace, provide humanitarian aid, and ensure the security of nations. While my role will focus on leadership and strategy, it will also be about upholding the shared human values that unite us all, creating a safer and more connected world. For me, commissioning as an officer is not just about serving in the military—it’s about taking on the responsibility of global citizenship and giving back to the country and fallen heroes that has taken care of me...

       Rick Hanson’s How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness is a transformative guide to building emotional resilience and mental clarity. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and mindfulness practices, Hanson shows us how to cultivate a deep, unshakable foundation of inner peace, strength, and happiness. The book is not only a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their emotional well-being, but it offers profound insights that can greatly benefit someone about to embark on a challenging and rewarding career—such as joining the Army.      As an aspiring officer, the lessons found within these pages can be particularly valuable. Military life is demanding, with high levels of stress, intense physical and emotional challenges, and the need for continuous leadership under pressure. Hanson’s methods for strengthening one’s "core" are centered around simple but powerful practices that can be integrated into daily life. He...

 As I prepare to step into the role of an officer in the US Army, I’ve come to realize that my journey will require not only physical and tactical training, but also a deep mental and emotional resilience. That’s why I chose to read Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core by Dr. Rick Hanson. In a career that demands unwavering discipline, composure under pressure, and the ability to lead with both strength and empathy, I understand that developing emotional fortitude is just as critical as the technical skills I’ll need on the battlefield. Dr. Hanson’s book offers a practical and scientifically backed approach to cultivating resilience, focusing on strengthening the mind and emotional core so that it can better weather life's inevitable challenges. What I find particularly compelling about Resilient is its emphasis on neuroplasticity—the idea that we can train our brains to become more resilient. In a high-stakes environment like the military, where stress and adversity are con...

  I believe that the future of our planet depends on how we reframe our approach to environmentalism—grounded in the recognition that a sustainable world must also be a world of prosperity. People will not act unless they see a clear and direct benefit to themselves. In other words, environmentalism must be a win-win: the health of the planet and the wellbeing of individuals must go hand in hand. Renewable energy is central to this vision—an energy system that doesn’t extract from the earth but rather harmonizes with it, creating energy that is abundant, clean, and accessible to all. It’s a pragmatic solution that aligns with the needs of the present without sacrificing the future. Yet, I also recognize the challenge we face. The tragedy of environmental degradation often unfolds slowly, imperceptibly, like the concept of slow violence described by the philosopher Rob Nixon. Pollution and climate change are not always immediate or visible in their consequences. Their true impact on...