Somewhere deep inside Iraq, there is a set of ‘8 Keys’ hanging over a mirror in an American Marine’s bunk. As most of you know, the 8 Keys of Excellence are the underlying foundation of SuperCamp, as they provide a framework for students to use to become more successful in the classroom as well as in their everyday lives.
In the summer of 2000, Brian Seidl was an aspiring high school senior when he attended SuperCamp Senior Forum at Claremont Colleges just outside Ontario, California. Today, Brian is a 1st Lieutenant in the H&S Company 3rd battalion 3rd Marines stationed in Al Assad, Iraq. Brian recalls having “a blast” during his 10-days of SuperCamp; “I got a lot of tools … most beneficial was the Quantum Reading,” he says.
Lieutenant Seidl started thinking about the ‘8 Keys’ on the 26 hour flight to Iraq:
“I was [occupying] some of my time by writing a journal. Somehow my train of thought took me to thoughts about responsibility, choices, and things that somewhat equate to productive citizenship. I was contemplating the Leadership Traits and Leadership Principles, and other tools that I have encountered, such as [SuperCamp’s] ‘8 Keys’. I started thinking about the ones that mean the most to me, and which ones I find myself thinking about most frequently. [The two I thought of first were] Failure Leads to Success, and Speak With Good Purpose … The simple fact that those two are most frequently on my mind meant something important.”
Even nearly 10 years after Brian’s experience with SuperCamp, he still holds the academic and life lessons he learned close to his heart. So close, as a matter of fact, that he e-mailed SuperCamp President Bobbi DePorter to thank her for her influence on his life, and she was so touched that she personally mailed the 8 Keys of Excellence to Brian in Iraq. Brian’s ‘8 Keys’ are now posted on the wall above his mirror to remind him of them every day.
On behalf of SuperCamp, I would like to thank First Lieutenant Brian Seidl, as well as all American service members for their service, dedication, and commitment to our country.
Way to live the 8 Keys, Brian!!
