A cannonball moment is “a life-changing event that can alter a person’s life path.” I believe cannonball moments happen more frequently than we may realize, but our lack of reaction prevents them from achieving maximum impact. 

The definition’s wording clearly states that it can alter a life path, but the occurrence of the event itself does not change anything.            

Over the summer, I had a cannonball moment. I say this because it was the first time I found something I was so excited about that my eagerness almost forced my hand to act. 

Early in June, my cousin, Johnny, reached out to me asking me to help him gather behind-the-scenes content for a short film he was directing. Intrigued by the idea of being on set, I said yes. This initial favor quickly cannonballed. 

I was completely immersed in the experience of being on a set. The opportunity to use a real camera was energizing and fascinating to me. I recall driving home from set after the first round of filming wrapped without a doubt in my mind that I had discovered a new passion. 

I think if I experienced this a year ago, I would have left it at that. I would have told a story of a fun week I had over the summer and wouldn’t have let it grow into anything beyond that. This time was different. 

I bought a camera, and I brought it with me everywhere. By the end of the summer, I had taken photos for several groups and even shot my first paid job. I am currently working on building a website to build a foundation for a potential business. 

I have been investing my time in learning various techniques and sourcing inspiration. I acted on the passion I had uncovered and fostered the experience in a manner that allowed it to cannonball. 

We are sparked with passion and excitement often. Some of these moments are big, some are small, some are obvious and some are not any of those things. 

For the sake of my argument, I am going to call these ping-pong ball moments. They are glimmers of hope, passion, and excitement. These look different for everyone. 

It could be a class lecture that we find particularly interesting, a moment that sparks wonder or a conversation that leaves us wanting to know more.  

They do not have to be academic or career-based. It could be an encounter with a person who we want to get to know more or an ad that inspires us to take a trip.  

These ping-pong ball moments are everywhere. 

It is up to us to determine which of these moments are worth investing ourselves in. When life throws something powerful our way, it is up to us to do something about it. 

The difference between a ping-pong ball moment and a cannonball moment lies in our hands. We have to take initiative, listen to our hearts and chase our dreams. 

I encourage you to look for the ping-pong moments that come your way this week. Give them some thought. When you come across one, cherish it, pursue it and allow it to cannonball.        Students shouldn’t have to worry about purchasing a several hundred-dollar textbook that doesn’t even help them actually learn the material. Especially when that textbook is a renting digital copy for a one semester class. 

        One great thing about Creighton is the lectures and professors. I rarely find classes that fully rely on the textbook because the professors know how to teach. When they do have a textbook, they use it as a way to reinforce what we already learned. 

        From my experience through all my different levels of education, I can say confidently that the majority of classes should not primarily teach by assigning reading. A more interactive style of learning should be used, especially in early education and high school.