Western Region Chief, David Harrell
For David Harrell, his third experience at NOAC has been very different from his first two. In fact, being the Western Region Chief changes has changed much of David's life. David is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of Kola Lodge in Section W-5, and a senior business administration major at Colorado State University. While at NOAC, David gets to see the "best stuff at the conference," he says. He gets to visit the best exhibits and meet people from literally all around the country. "You can't do that at a Conclave," David said about the "coolest part" of his NOAC experience.
The role of Region Chief doesn't disappear for David when he leaves an Order of the Arrow event. "As Region Chief, my job is to manage the Western Region; I have to make appointments for many Regional positions," reflected David explaining how his role as Region Chief compliments his business management studies at school. When David became Region Chief, Western Region Chairman Mike Bliss told David that it is typical for Region Chiefs' school GPA to increase during their terms. "I thought he was just trying to inspire me," David said, "but it turned out to be true." David's earned his highest GPA the semester while he was serving as Region Chief. "I still procrastinate," says David, "but this position is sink or swim - it forces you to become a better at managing your time."
It is then perhaps fitting that an Arrowman who has had so much changed in his life by his dedication to our Order would describe, in one word, the biggest challenge facing our world with "change," according to his NOAC re:MIX profile. "On a daily basis we are put in situations - and these situations are constantly changing," David explained. "Life is about this change and how we adapt to it." David continued to explain how whether we're combating terrorism, reacting to skyrocketing gas prices, or fighting against global warming, these problems are all about change and how we are reacting to our changing surroundings.
One thing that hasn't changed much for David is his car; he still gets around in his 1994 Ford Ranger. The same stick-shift car he bought while he was in high school he hopes will last him at least though college. What could last longer than this seemingly timeless piece of American made beauty? "Your NOAC experience," David explained to first-time NOAC participants. "Experience as much as you can - don't just do any one thing. They say 90% of life is just showing up. I'm positive you'll be feeling the effects of NOAC in your life for years to come." What will David be remembering for years to come? Going on stage at the opening show - "its such a rush," he exclaimed. "Oh, and when the national officers beat the national committee members at basketball."
Revised 08/05/2009