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→ By Cameron Pien (‘23) EDITORIAL

Unlike other quantities we tend to idolize, such as money, grades, material goods, or popularity, we are utterly powerless to get more of it, which is why we want it so much. The sobering reality is that time is irreversible and indelible, which makes how we use it all the more crucial. But how should we determine which pursuits are worth offering our priceless hours to? As I begin my senior year, I’ve found that there are two essential ideas that should guide my choices as I seek to maximize my remaining time in high school: Bravery and balance.

We’ve all been told to step out of our comfort zones, and our reaction upon hearing the old adage is often to mumble under our breath that we know that. However, when we reflect on our lives, we find that we haven’t necessarily applied the principle. Why? We avoid doing things that cause fear because we don’t want to be shunned or denigrated. Familiarity is safe, but safety can also lead us into stagnancy. For most of my life, I was terrified of embarrassing myself: If I wasn’t good at something on the first try, I would immediately give up. It was easier to blame my capitulation on lack of natural talent than to acknowledge that I was arrogant and afraid of being embarrassed. However, I recently discovered that my fear of failure has stifled growth. I’ve been dancing ballet since I was three, and a few months ago, I promised myself that I was going to develop my artistry by trying a completely different style of movement and taking a hip hop class. I was probably the worst hip hop dancer in the room, but for once, I didn’t care. By having a mindset focused on growth and not perfection, I was inspired by the other dancers instead of being envious of their skill level, and I had so much fun.

Ignoring your fear doesn’t help you to be courageous, and bravery for bravery’s sake is simply recklessness. In order for bravery to be worthwhile, it’s helpful to identify a clear purpose behind your actions; a powerful motivation can make it exponentially easier to surmount anxiety. The fear of failure can be paralyzing, because we don’t want to lose whatever our hopes are pinned on. We don’t want to watch our relationships or aspirations for the future crumble because of one misplaced brick. We might always be afraid of losing what matters to us, but instead of allowing fear to prevent us from making any choices at all, we can allow our apprehensions to be some of our advisors as we seek to make sound decisions. For example, the fear of loneliness can motivate you to be more intentional about cultivating relationships. We shouldn’t live in a place of fear, but we can listen to what our worries tell us about our priorities. When you’re working towards a larger goal, whether that be maturity, independence, service, or something else, you make each choice with the intention of achieving that standard. Worthwhile goals beget commendable choices, and even if you stumble in the race, the finish line doesn’t change. Since you know what you’re working towards, you’ll be able to recoup and reevaluate in the face of failure. If one route takes you on a dangerous detour, try another.

I’ll be going away to the mainland for college in a year. I’m confident that leaving home is the right decision, but I’m also scared that I’ll inevitably drift away from my family and miss out on time with them. For me, failure wouldn’t be getting rejected from my dream school; it would be losing my relationships with the people I love because I let myself selfishly idolize professional or educational pursuits that only bring fleeting satisfaction. The goal that will guide my choices through the next few years is to intentionally treasure the time I have with my Continued on Page 4

Cover Photo

By Dilan Chock-Makiya (‘23)

EAGLE EYE

Hawaii Baptist Academy 2429 Pali Highway

Honolulu, Hawaii 96817

Hawaii Baptist Academy’s Eagle Eye is a studentrun and student-centered publication.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Cameron Pien (‘23)

STAFF

Cayte Akamu (‘25)

Noah Camacho (‘23)

Dilan Chock-Makiya (‘23)

Noah Hu (‘23)

Megan Lee (‘23)

Titus Lee (‘24)

Gabrielle Steffany (‘24)

John Yamamoto (‘23)

ADVISOR

Eunice Sim

Follow us @hbaeagleeye on Instagram www.hbaeagleeye. com

(Top to bottom) Campus Ministry Club members Randie Lueder (left) and Kaylee LaBarre make their rounds to recruit new members in the gym; Students check out the Interact Club booth; Korea Club members Taylor Gonsalves (left) and Keenan Kim; Art Club leader Lauren Chee;