Letter to Dereck

A few years back I was asked to be a part of an Eagle Scout initiation for one of my former confirmation students. The following is a letter which I wrote to him for this occasion:

Dear Dereck -

I would not be honest if I did not tell you how proud I am of you. Eagle Scout is a milestone that is recognized by most people in this country, even if they have never been associated with the Scouts. I have always been a believer in the axiom that “success breeds success”. In other words Dereck, becoming an Eagle Scout is only the beginning for you.

I have long been a student on leadership and how some people develop into leaders. Some people are born leaders and others develop into leaders. Regardless of the path taken, at the end of the day, they are all leaders. It is easy to manage people, but to lead people, you must truly inspire. As an Eagle Scout, many younger people (and some older) will look to you for inspiration and example. If ever in doubt about the correct path to take in leadership, ask God for guidance – he is consulted on a daily basis!

Dereck, I am going to share some tips for success in life that I share with young people. As you go through life, you will come up with your own list for obtaining success. This is the one that I to you:

For every initiative, develop a strategy, and then a plan.
Develop Plan “A”, Plan “B” and so on. Never leave yourself without options.
“Plan the work and work the plan”. A plan is useless unless executed.
Learn as much as you can as fast as you can. Never stop learning – your competition won’t.
Embrace liberal education (not the politics – the concept).
Develop a budget and follow it. It is easy to lose track without a financial road map.
Look at “lazy” as an invective. It is truly a “four letter” word.
Use the “greatest generation” as an example for nobility and virtue.
Never give up; never quit; never surrender.
Seize the Day! Opportunity is fleeting and most opportunities only knock once.

Good luck to you Dereck, and God’s speed. Enjoy this day – it is your day. You have worked hard for this moment and it is okay to “bask in the light”. You have made us all proud.