Have you gone through something not recognizing the significance it would play in your life? Then when looking back you realize how worthwhile and unique your experience was? Just last year, when I was a senior in high school, I had one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments. On January 8, 2015 I went to an orientation and found my golden ticket: One World Education. One World was hosting their first College and Career Senior Challenge. I was given the opportunity to find my voice and hone my skills.

When I was in school the bulk of my assignments were related to things that I frankly had little interest in. Due to that, I would write just for a grade and wouldn’t put my best foot forward. It was the complete opposite with One World Education. My assignment was to explore a topic I truly cared about. I had never written to be heard, understood, or to be a catalyst for change. My motivation for writing changed, and I wanted everyone to respect and believe in my argument. One World Education allowed me to explore my argument and become an expert on it.

As a part of the the College and Career Senior Challenge, One World taught the students how to present an argument and develop a hook that incorporates our claim. One World was the runway and we, the students, were planes getting ready for take-off. The only reason we were able to fly to new and greater heights was because One World gave us the flight plan.

To my delight One World Education is once again working its magic by preparing a different set of seniors. I was privileged to see the students at the Senior Challenge orientation on November 3.

I can see what’s coming for them. I know the aha! moment is around the corner. These are life skills. These seniors are in the same position that I was in a year ago. Win or lose they gain something much more important, a life altering experience. At the sessions I could observe the students steadily progressing in these vital skills. I can’t wait until December 15, 2015 to see them soar to new heights. This is one event I wouldn’t miss for the world.