Strengths

 I only learned two things in grade eight. The first thing was that I hate math with a burning passion. The second and more important thing I learned about was "Strengths". The teacher who taught my class this adventurous strengths unit was also a very successful athlete so it was pretty cool for me to have a sort of connection with what he taught. You might think that "Strengths" are something you are good at. For example, Keanu Reeves' strengths might include beating people up and making a mean Sunday omelette. But actually strengths are things you have passion for, and because you have a passion for it, you usually will be good at it. If you love something, you'll be doing a lot more of it than other things, correct? Yes.
 I spend about 90% of my time focussed on badminton. I take part time schooling, and as soon as the bell goes, I'm out of there, on the bus, and at the badminton center. Sometimes, I have no reason to even be there. But I just go because I feel more happy and positive when I am there. It is quite clear to me that my biggest strength and passion is my badminton.
 Within this strength unit from my grade eight, there was a basic message. Striving towards and working on your strengths will make you a better person, and hopefully you can contribute your strength to society to make it better as a whole. The program (Called "Trombone Player Wanted" by Marcus Buckingham) used the example of Mr. Hewlett and Mr. Packard (Together HP Computers). Basically they both had different strengths and when they combined their efforts towards their strengths, they did very well.
 When I was in grade eight I had not yet decided to pursue badminton yet. I was still young and I didn't know my "Strengths" yet. I don't know if my teacher knew how big of an impact this unit would have on my life in the future. I now work towards my strengths everyday. But what you must know about strengths is that you do not have to be good at it for it to be a strength. If you truly love it enough, your strength will become very strong, and you will succeed.