Matthew Blaisdell is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and an Eagle Scout. In the following article, Matthew Blaisdell discusses the life lessons learned from completing the Eagle Scout program, and how it shapes individuals for future success.
Earning the highly respected Eagle Scout rank may signify the end of a fantastic journey, but it marks the beginning of so many more. Whether continued education or the ever-evolving realm of the workforce, the skills learned in their journey to achieve the dream will serve individuals for their rest of their life.
Matthew Blaisdell of PA says that beyond mere servitude, the life lessons, the rank’s significance, and the transferrable skills will forge a successful path, carving out opportunities at every academic and professional turn.
Matthew Blaisdell on Understanding the Significance of the Eagle Scout Rank
Only one in 20 young people who join the Scouts will earn the Eagle Scout rank, making it one of teenagers’ biggest accomplishments at this stage in their lives.
Matthew Blaisdell of PA says that with so many requirements to fulfill, merit badges to earn, community service to do, and troop leaderships to experience, acquiring the coveted Eagle rank is no small feat. On their quest to Eagle, Scouts will have to:
- earn at least 21 merit badges. This must include the following 13 Eagle-specific badges:
- Citizenship in Society
- Citizenship in the Community
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Citizenship in the World
- First Aid
- Communication
- Cooking
- Personal management
- Personal fitness
- Emergency preparedness or Lifesaving
- Sustainability or Environmental Science
- Swimming, Hiking, or Cycling
- Family Life
- Camping
- learn morals and life-lessons beside friends as they come together to solve problems and get through adversities.
serve as a leader of their group. - learn to plan itineraries for excursions, campouts, and backpacking trips independently.
- compete against other troops in large-scale scout camporees.
- get involved in the service through volunteer work.
- coordinate and lead a large-scale volunteer project to better their community.
Even though the benefits of being a general Scout are worthwhile, the advantages of taking the experience to the next level as an Eagle Scout extend far beyond the near future, impacting individuals lives forever and driving success.
From Eagle Scout to College to The Workplace: Life Lessons and Transferable Skills
Matthew Blaisdell of Pittsburgh explains that time management, perseverance, integrity, and an unwavering moral compass are just a few characteristics and skills established as individuals endeavor to be the next Eagle Scout, according to those who’ve achieved the rank.
Developing Vital Communication Skills from an Early Age
Public speaking, leadership experiences, and presentations all play a major role in the Eagle Scout adventure, ensuring all participants conquer stage fright and know exactly how to communicate their wants and needs.
Matthew Blaisdell of Pittsburgh explains that clear, precise, and respectful articulation is bestowed on these individuals — a necessary skill in a world riddled with reactive, unhelpful responses.
Becoming Expert Time Managers
Beyond communication, Eagle Scouts learn exceptional time management skills through the planning and execution of the Eagle-specific projects while maintaining schoolwork and a social calendar.
Perhaps the most useful skill in this department is prioritization. Some tasks are always more important than others, and Eagle Scouts know that better than most.
Matthew Blaisdell of Pittsburgh says that moving forward in life, such time management lessons will become increasingly necessary as they venture into college, university, and the work sphere.
Maintaining a Strong Work Ethic
Speaking of work, Eagle Scouts are known for their hard-working character. No doubt due to the independence and self-motivation required to earn badges, challenge themselves, and head toward goals, this strong work ethic almost guarantees success from whatever they decide to do in life.
Building Confidence for Lifelong Success in All Areas
As many can attest, confidence is the most significant life lesson learned through becoming an Eagle scout.
Belief in oneself is essential for well-being, and is a key component of a long, happy life. Building this quality at an early age gives Eagle Scouts greater successes in everything they do — professionally, personally, and academically.
Matthew Blaisdell of PA says that they build this confidence through constant personal challenges that allow them to accomplish things outside their immediate knowledge base.
Establishing Healthy, Lasting Relationships
Eagle Scouts work alongside other scouts for years, forging long-lasting connections as a result. From starlight nights in tents chatting about anything and everything to collaboratively achieving goals, individuals establish healthy relationship skills without even knowing it.
Matthew Blaisdell of PA reports that long after scouting, Eagles will fall back on everything they learned during their journey to bring prosperity to their academic, personal, and professional lives.
