Wow. What an Amazing Ride.

9 weeks. This is the equivalence as to how long I have been apart of Noblesville High School’s Innovations program. Looking back on this short journey, all I can think of to summarize this experience is one word: Wow. This class has been amazing, life-changing. Let me break it down to you as to why.

From MillPulse to NobleHealth to Heart of the Matter, I first started off all over the board in this class. Although it was not necessarily a negative situation, I have realized now that it was not the best either. Reflecting on the first few blogs I posted, I see now that taking on all three of the tasks I wrote about would have been a total hot mess. They were all great ideas, but trying to work on all of the projects at the same time would have made me a complete wreck. I was like a little kid in a candy store: way too hyper and way too overstimulated. The projects, completed or not, would not have reached their full potentials with me trying to juggle all of them at once, which is exactly what I wouldn't want to happen. Thankfully though, my candy store sugar rush ended and now, I have found where my one true focus, my one true passion should go towards: Heart of the Matter.

Working on this project, I have discovered that your passion can be transformed into something you would have never dreamed of. From simple discussions with my project partner, Charity Yadon, to brainstorming sessions with fellow peers to just allowing the mind to think outside of the box, this project has become something truly beautiful. Although the planning process was not at all what I expected it to be, it has become well worth it. Heart of the Matter has become a true passion of mine. I have never felt so adamant about fulling something before. It has become truly inspirational to me, and I hope it will be truly inspirational to the others who come into contact with it as well.

From this experience, I have learned that you do not have to go after every shiny opportunity that comes your way. It’s better to have a clear focus on one. Also, just because something is a good idea and it has the potential to be great, does not mean you have to go after it. Sometimes you have to wait to find where your one true passion is in life, but once it’s found, it’s magical.

Reflecting on the past 9 weeks, I sometimes think of things that I should have done differently. I should have straightened out my priorities quicker. I should have taken more time to think and reflect on what I was doing. I should have found my project sooner. I have so many “I should have…” statements, but honestly, I wouldn't change a thing about these past 9 weeks. I think everything played out exactly how it should have. Everything that happened was supposed to because without these 9 weeks, my mindset would not have changed so significantly. I would not be thinking like an Innovator. Now I see opportunity everywhere, immense potential for my project and endless possibilities on how everyone can make a difference in the world.

Looking ahead, I can not wait to continue on with Heart of the Matter. Being away from Innovations for 2 weeks during Fall Break is going to be agonizing. However, I look forward to spreading word about my project and putting it into action. I look forward to all the opportunities that are going to come from it and how I am going to make a difference, an impact in girls’ lives. I hope to collaborate with organizations like Dove and Operation Beautiful, both aiming to change the mindsets of all women around the world. I ca not wait to see all who want to help address the Heart of the Matter. Mr. Wettrick was right. Innovations is amazing. The past 9 weeks have been an amazing ride, and it just keeps on going. It is an absolute blast, and I’m ready to see what comes next from it. Until later, Internet Friends!