Joel Terning
Interview of a Hero
When asked multiple questions about goals, life decisions, and other "long and hard thinking" questions, Mr. Terning answered the best he could, giving some interesting answers.
Questions and Answers
What is your goal in life?
“To be happy”
What have you done to reach this goal so far?
“Well, I really enjoy playing music, and I guess getting myself involved in marching band, orchestra, and chorus have contributed a lot to my current status of happiness.”
Is your goal reached?
“At the moment, yes. But, I doubt it will stay that way.”
Has something ever distracted you from your goal?
“Yes, school. I don't mind school but it does cause quite a bit of stress, how can one be happy with so much stress?”
What would you say are some major life distractions?
“Just as any teenager would say, school, the internet, and people.”
What things are you proud of doing in life?
“Well, I am on the Centennial High School drum line as a snare drummer, and in order to do that, I had to work really hard. So if I was proud of anything, it would be my place on the line.”
Have you ever had too much pride?
“I cannot think of something off the top of my head but I would say probably.”
Is excessive pride a bad thing?
“It can be a lot of times, yes.”
What are some major obstacles in life?
“For me, not being able to work hard enough. When or if I don't work hard enough, I beat myself up about it, therefore causing more stress and distraction.”
How did/do you overcome these obstacles?
“Giving myself smaller goals to work on at a time. If I focus on one huge goal, I won’t make it and once again, beat myself up about it.”
Are there dangers in life's temptations?
“Of course there are, but there are also some non-dangerous things in the temptations of life.”
Have you ever been tempted to do something you didn't want to do?
“I guess so. I don’t want to do drugs or bad things but television and things like that are what tempt people.”
How can you resist life's temptations?
“Self-control, and thinking about the after effects, short and long term.”
What is a big life decision that you have been faced with?
“As I said before, I am in band, and having to choose what I want to do in band, as well as orchestra was a tough decision.”
How did you make this/these decision(s)?
“I did what I knew what would make me happiest rather than what was better for the class or other people.”
Do you regret your decision?
“No, not yet.”
How did this decision impact your life?
“Whichever instrument I chose determines how I spend my time whether it’s how much I practice or how much I don't."
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision for someone else?
“Not that I can remember at the moment.”
Have you ever had a disloyal friend?
“Yes, but hasn't everybody?”
Has someone ever let you down?
“Of course, that’s part of life.”