The paperclip challenge, the first challenge from Month 5, was probably the most unique school experience I’ve ever had. The goal for this project was to trade items with strangers, starting with a paperclip, and see how far in value you could get.

My plan was go door-to-door in the middle of the town so that the houses were close together and I could walk from one to the other. My introduction was “Hey, I’m doing a school project. Do you have a minute?” I found that this introduction helped all my interactions, as if someone was busy they could quickly get back to their work, but saying it’s a “school project” quickly settled any annoyance or worry they had about what I was doing. Additionally, several people become extra excited upon hearing that it was a school project.

I was able to make a total of six exchanges, which was a lot less than I thought I would get. I highly overestimated how many people would both be at home and willing to help me. Of course almost everyone was very nice but the majority said they were too busy to help or didn’t have anything good to trade. However, the people who did help me were incredible and went out of their way to make sure I gained value with each new item. In fact, two different individuals gave me an item for free, which was very kind.

My trades in order were a paperclip for croc inserts, then traded for work gloves, then traded for a baseball glove, was gifted a fish tank, then traded the glove for a pair of Jordans, and finally was gifted a toiletries bag.

At the end of this project, I learned that the best time to trade is from around 2pm-4pm, as that’s when the largest percent of people will be off work and at home. One of the most surprising things I found was that larger, nicer houses in richer neighborhoods were less likely to be home and also less likely to trade. Out of all the doors I knocked on, I got about half as many answers and only one interested individual, compared to much more productive results in the smaller, closer homes on city streets.

All in all this project challenged my communication and sales skills, making me do things I’ve never done before. It taught me many things and was one of the most valuable projects I’ve done so far.

Board of Directors Challenge

This project had you create a list of men who most inspire you and embody the attributes and skills you desire to possess. This was a challenge of introspection, critical thinking, and honesty.

My list was made up of ten men: Jesus, my dad, Charlie Kirk, Tim Kennedy, Ron Paul, Joel Salatin, Thomas Sowell, Cliffe Knechtle, Vivek Ramaswamey, and Donald Trump, in that order. Each man embodies something specific I wish to emulate, but I am not necessarily seeking to follow every action they take or take on every part of their character. Jesus is the only one that I wish to follow completely.

The most valuable attributes I am pursuing from this list are bodily strength and intensity, mental prowess and capabilties, steadfastness, ingenuity, honor, and selfless care for those I love. Below is the full list with detailed descriptions of why I chose each man.

No. 1: Jesus

This is kind of obvious. I don’t believe there is anyone that has or could better personify all the best qualities achievable by humans nor teach anything better than what Jesus taught and lived. As my Lord and Savior He contains everything I could want to achieve and see in my own life, which includes all the elements of Apogee Code that I have promised to live.

No. 2: My dad

Leaving the world of the perfect, my dad is probably the best example of a man I know. I can see all of the values in the Apogee Code within him and he’s the one that taught me all about the Christian faith I now hold. I see him be gentle with my littlest siblings but then also see his strength and ferocity when we spar during Tae Kwon Do classes. I see his love for other people but also his readiness and willingness to do whatever it takes to defend those he loves against someone who might want to do them harm. These are just a few of the reasons I want to be like him. Out of all the men on earth, I want to be most like my dad.

No. 3: Charlie Kirk

Strength of the body is a power dangerous without strength of the mind. Additionally, I believe it is my duty to promote truth and goodness in this world, which requires me to have great understanding, knowledge, and wisdom about what’s true and good. This is where I can look to Charlie Kirk for inspiration, information, and help. He’s a brilliant man, still young by all metrics, who because of his love for truth and his country has started one of the most powerful youth organizations of all time. I want to be as smart, knowledgeable, virtuous, and  entrepreneurial as him.

No. 4: Tim Kennedy

American Special forces soldier, MMA stud, fit, strong, and ready to help anyone at any time: these are why I look to Tim Kennedy as a source of inspiration. I love my wonderful nation and want to uphold it and fight for it like Tim, even if not in the same manner. I want to be able to defend myself and others in physical altercations, both strategic and experienced but also possessing brutality and lethality. I’m seeking to become the best physical version of myself and can look to Tim as an example. And most importantly, I want to use my capabilities and attributes to make other people’s lives better. That’s why Tim Kennedy is on my list.

No. 5: Ron Paul

Though he may not seem like a likely pick, I see many things in Ron Paul that I want in my life. His ability to stand on what’s right even under great pressure from the entire rest of Congress is inspiring and reminds me to stick with what I know is right no matter what happens. I also believe he has incredible amounts of wisdom for how our country should behave and be run, something I’m passionate about. I look to him to give truthful and factual opinions and beliefs on important issues, which is why he’s on this list.

No. 6: Joel Salatin

Also known as the lunatic farmer, Joel Salatin’s books and speeches have taught me so many things about our food, environment, and even government policies. Modern food companies, environmental agencies, and politicians have corrupted and complicated the most basic aspects of our life but Joel has practical and proven solutions. His methods are ingenious but draw on historic practices we’ve neglected and forgotten. There’s something in his works for everyone to learn from and be benefited by.

No. 7: Thomas Sowell

Sowell’s book Basic Economics is still one of the most incredible books I’ve ever read, explaining how the market works across the world and how we can make it better. He debunks the many and often deceiving fallacious theories and policies that surround economic conversations and uses historical events to prove his points. Besides just that, his numerous commentaries on other important issues have always been very informative, helpful, and wise.

No. 8: Cliffe Knechtle

Best known for his videos where he presents the gospel and reasons with his listens on the street or at college campuses, Cliffe embodies a goal of mine. I want to be able to defend my faith as well as he does and be able to witness it as easily and convincingly as he does. I’ve learned a ton of great facts, arguments, and points from him that I now keep in the chamber for future conversations and I constantly go back to him for more information.

No. 9: Vivek Ramaswamey

Extremely eloquent, brilliant, sharp as a tack and beyond successful, Vivek inspires me in so many ways. The vigor with which he fights for truth makes we want to do the same and his ability to speak clearly, quickly and convincingly is so impressive. I’ve learned so much from him and want to be able to communicate as well and effectively as him.

No. 10: Donald Trump

Although I do not wish to embody every facet of his character, Trump’s tenacity, resilience, and bravery inspires me every time I see him speak. Along with his wit and comedic capabilities, his constant battle against the swamp that is our government fills me with good American patriotism and fires me up to clean it all out. Besides this, his shrewdness and business skill is another aspect I want to learn as it could be beyond worth to me down the road in my life.

This challenge made me think a lot harder than I’ve had to for a while. I never really considered who among all the people I listen to or know effect me the most. It took a lot of self reflection and examinations of who I enjoy listening to the most. I’m happy with this list and feel it accurately reflects who I am. I’m also happy with this new insight I’ve gained in myself.

While this list might not be a perfect mirror of who I am, it shows where I’ve pulled the pieces of my character from. I think this project has a deeper meaning that you might not grasp upon first starting the journey but will soon feel once you’re in the waters, so to speak.