2024 Great Cycle Challenge

What an amazing year it's been so far! I started a journey of my own a year ago when I went back to school. I started in the Renewable Energy Systems Technology Technician Associate of Applied Sciences program at Clinton Community College, Unfortunately, the derecho took down the school's wind tower trainer, and there were not enough funds to replace it or to continue hiring professors who could teach the curriculum. So, they had to end the program. This left me in a precarious situation. I didn’t really know where to go or which way to go. The only reason I was at Clinton Community College was because they had that specific program. It was 2 and a half hour roundtrip commute to the Blong Technology Center two or three days a week. Fortunately, I was able to reach out to NICC in Peosta. With the help of EICC (also known as Clinton Community College, Muscatine Community College, and Scott Community College), I was able to enter the Industrial Automation and Mechatronics Associate of Applied Science program at Northeast Iowa Community College and with the credits that transferred in from Clinton, and the new release of my 22-year-old transcripts from the University of Iowa, I will actually receive my applied science degree sooner than originally expected, although it is in a different area of study. The reason I mention this today is because I believe that my commitment to the Great Cycle Challenge and my cousin T’s memory has taught me that perseverance is created by us. It is not something that exists until we decide to manifest success through the tough times. This summer, when it looked like my plan had come to an end as far as going back to school, I remembered that moving forward is the only real way to go; anything else is a daydream or a wish and only keeps one trapped in one’s own mind. But taking action, moving forward, and carrying the ones we have loved in our hearts is the true way to persevere.