from the president’s desk

Ever tried to catch a falling star? It's a futile pursuit, isn't it? The moment you focus on it, it's gone. Yet, ​that's the beauty of life. The most unexpected, the most fleeting moments, often bring us the greatest joy.

Remember that time you spilled your coffee all over your new shirt just before a big meeting? Or when you ​missed your train and ended up meeting your soulmate on the next one? These happy accidents, as I like to ​call them, are life's little reminders to let go, to embrace the unexpected, and to find joy in the journey.

So, next time you're caught up in the rat race, chasing after the next big thing, take a deep breath and savor ​the moment. Notice the birds chirping, the sun shining, the smile on a stranger's face. These simple ​pleasures are the building blocks of happiness.

Happiness isn't a destination; it's a journey. And the best part? You're already on it. So, why not enjoy the ​ride?

One way to savor the moment is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness means being present in the here and ​now, without judgment. It's about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught ​up in them. When you're mindful, you're more likely to appreciate the little things in life, like the taste of ​your food, the feel of the sun on your skin, or the sound of your favorite song.

Another way to find happiness in the moment is to cultivate gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful emotion that ​can shift your perspective and improve your overall well-being. When you focus on what you're grateful ​for, you're less likely to dwell on negative thoughts and feelings.

Remember, life is full of ups and downs. There will be times when things don't go as planned, and that's ​okay. The important thing is to learn from these experiences and move forward. By embracing the present ​moment and finding joy in the journey, you'll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a deep breath and remind ​yourself that this moment is all you have. Let go of the past and the future, and focus on the here and now. ​You might be surprised at what you discover.

Jessie Fan

President, High Flyers

WHATEVER THE MIND OF MAN CAN CONCEIVE AND BELIEVE, THE MIND OF MAN CAN ACHIEVE.

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Best speech of the month

Working Prayers

Philip Arroyo

While serving as an infantryman in Afghanistan from 2003 to 2004, I experienced ​firsthand the challenges ​and dangers of war. Our missions often required us to ​navigate unfamiliar terrain and engage with the enemy ​under adverse conditions. As ​an infantryman, I found night missions to be particularly advantageous due to ​our use ​of night vision goggles, which gave us a clear tactical advantage over the enemy.

However, daytime missions posed significant risks. We were constantly vigilant, ​anticipating enemy contact ​and preparing for potential firefights. Before each mission, ​we would receive a detailed briefing, assemble ​our equipment, and mentally prepare ​ourselves. During these moments of anticipation, I would often find ​myself turning to ​prayer.

Growing up, my mother explored various religious paths, seeking a spiritual connection ​that resonated with ​her. Ultimately, she chose a faith that centered around God, Jesus ​Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Her guidance ​influenced my own spiritual journey, and I ​found solace and strength in prayer, especially during the intense ​experiences of war.

As I prepared for daytime missions in Afghanistan, I would often pray fervently for ​protection and guidance. ​In the midst of these prayers, I would sometimes feel a warm ​sensation and hear a clear inner voice. It was as ​if a divine presence was guiding me, ​providing me with insights and warnings that proved invaluable during ​combat.

When I returned home from Afghanistan, I shared these experiences with my family. To ​my surprise, my ​mother revealed that she had also been experiencing similar spiritual ​phenomena. She described waking up ​in the middle of the night and feeling ​compelled to pray for my safety. Her prayers, she believed, were ​somehow connected ​to the guidance I received on the battlefield.

I am not here to advocate for a specific faith or religious belief. Instead, I want to ​emphasize the power of ​prayer and the importance of spiritual connection, regardless ​of one's individual beliefs. Whether you ​believe in a higher power, a guiding force, or ​simply the strength within yourself, prayer can be a powerful ​tool for finding peace, ​strength, and guidance.

For me, prayer was a lifeline during the most challenging moments of my military ​service. It provided me with ​comfort, courage, and a sense of purpose. I believe that ​the experiences I had in Afghanistan, both on the ​battlefield and in my personal life, ​have taught me the profound value of faith and the power of human ​connection.

Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking ​what no one else ever thought.

High Flyers meetings are fun and we make a lot of friends.

A Pathways Session in progress. President Fan delivers the opening ​inspiration.

Ryan gives an im-promptu speech on his ​entrepreneurial idea.

Srujan talks about Winter in ​Antartica and How to survive it.

Adelynn gave the best answers to Andrew’s table-​topics on Ants.

Andrew conducts Table ​Topics on Ants.

Jessie delivers a speech on ‘The ​Cost of Lying’.

David pitches his points on social media and how ​they play a pivotal role in providing a unique ​experience.

Philip delivers a speech on his ​faith in God.

An entire meeting for table ​topics.

A Pathway meeting in Progress.

Khang gives his Ice Breaker ​speech.