Enthusiasm goes a long way in the progress of anything, whether work-related or extra-curricular. It can mean the difference between excellence and mediocre. Enthusiasm is often accompanied with a desire for excellence and proficiency. Enthusiasm requires passion, discipline, optimism and confidence. In order for one to exhibit enthusiasm, one must be very passionate about a particular topic, job, hobby, etc. Second, one must choose to be optimistic about his or her passion in a way that even through the tough times, the optimism still shines through. Third, one must be confident in his or her abilities as well as know their weaknesses so that he or she can seek help if needed. This requires discipline and perseverance so that one can accomplish his or her goals more efficiently and with self-control. Enthusiasm is a very powerful force and it must be used with caution, wisdom, and care.

During my final year of graduate school in January 2016, I had the opportunity of attending the TAPPI Student Summit in Portland, Maine. The TAPPI Student Summit is a job conference for paper engineering, chemical engineering, and bioprocess engineering students. My enthusiasm scored me an interview with WestRock, a paper and chemical engineering company. The interview was not scheduled beforehand and it was scheduled on the spot. One day before the interview, I was on the elevator at the conference and the lady standing next to me was a recruiter from WestRock. I was so happy and enthusiastic about my day so far and she noticed. My enthusiasm had shone through and we ended up talking about different engineering opportunities and how our day was going while in the elevator. She was so much impressed by my enthusiasm that she agreed to schedule an interview with me the next day at 3pm. The interview went well the next day because I was enthusiastic when answering the interview questions. I had so much fun during the interview that I was not nervous at all. This goes to show that enthusiasm always goes a long way and that enthusiasm enriched my experience at the TAPPI Student Summit.

Another example of when I exhibit enthusiasm is my desire to compete in competitive electronic sports in regards to a video-game known as Super Smash Bros. Melee. My enthusiasm for the game fuels my desire to excel and improve on my skills and techniques when competing for first place. This drive for excellence is due to my optimism, discipline, and perseverance which come together due to my enthusiasm. As I strive to become one of the best at Super Smash Bros. Melee, I hope to continue my enthusiasm in my drive for excellence.

Enthusiasm goes a long way in determining whether things move forward or whether things remain stagnant in whatever it is people pursue. This can be applied to a job, passion, or hobby. Through the power of enthusiasm, we can make the world a better place to live in physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and environmentally. Enthusiasm helps move things forward into a brighter future.