Set aside, in my bedroom, rests four perfectly positioned hard-earned medallions: two bronze, one silver, and one gold. Each of them signifies a portion of my ability to overcome challenging obstacles. Not only that, each medal symbolizes the start of an unknown journey and reveals the product of a triumphant victory. 

Over the course of having these medals, I have come to realize that their underlying value, in the end, outshines their physical importance.  In my opinion, that alone is the chief and most essential ingredient to embrace when reflecting on life’s greatest achievements.
 
As the 2010 SkillsUSA National Conference approaches, I would like to present you with three challenging objectives:
1. Establish a purpose
2. Set  multiple goals and seek them
3. Be optimistic and positive

ESTABLISH A PURPOSE 
If your only purpose for going Kansas City is to take home the gold, then you have truly missed the mark.  You may be wondering why I would say such a thing.  I say this because once in Kansas City, you will find that you have the opportunity to not only network, but to also obtain possible internships, apprenticeships, and jobs.  In the bigger scheme of things, these tactics can be more valuable than a gold medallion. So, go out there with your résumé and aim for the unexpected!

SET MULTIPLE GOALS AND SEEK THEM
In my last article, I talked about how dreams are meant to be followed and goals are meant to be reached.  From personal experience, this is true.  Going to nationals, can be a once in a lifetime opportunity and the one thing you do not want to do is to look back on this adventure having regrets.  Therefore, take advantage of all that nationals has to offer. So, here is the catch: There is a difference between those who “set” goals and those who “seek” them.  Be the one who does both!  Pretty simple, right?

BE OPTIMITSIC AND POSITIVE
You know, nationals would be a pretty chilled experience, without a doubt, if everything went the way we wanted it to.  Unfortunately, the cards don’t always unfold that way.
 
So, remember this: Everything happens for a reason and obstacles quite often help us see the importance of what we really want and where we really want to go in life.  They can also push us to a point of showing how much strength and determination we may have.

In the end, despite the outcome of this experience, stay positive.  Regardless of whether you win or lose, there is a lesson to be learned in which you may or may not see or understand right away.

Success is inevitably up to you.  Leave this year’s conference with no regrets!  It may not be as easy as reciting your ABC’s, but it is attainable.  And, keep this in mind, whether you place in the top three or not, each of the previous objectives mentioned can be helpful in helping you achieve success in various stages of your life.  No medal, bronze, silver, or gold will reach that satisfaction.

Good luck, 2010 SkillsUSA Contestants, and don’t forget to make every moment count!  

Cory James joined the SVN team as a Special Events Producer in March of 2010.  Throughout high school, Cory was very active in broadcast video production.  Before joining SVN, Cory worked for Rockdale 23 (Government Cable Access Channel) in Conyers, Ga.

Cory was a part of a team who won several awards including 1st in state for SkillsUSA - Broadcast News Production/Television News Anchor in 2009 and 2nd in state for SkillsUSA - Broadcast News Production/Television News Anchor in 2008.  He and his team also placed 4th in the nation for SkillsUSA - Broadcast News Production/Television News Anchor in 2009.

Currently, Cory is attending college and pursuing a double major in English and Broadcast News.  
If you have any story ideas or questions, feel free to email Cory at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it