This wasn’t my original thought or thoughts when I finally logged in after..geez, how long has it been!? Every Tuesday evening I get an extra jolt of motivation, and if you’ve read my previous post you would know why.
As the wind blows so do my thoughts and reflections. The calming in my mind as the clock strikes 10:06pm also brings out the pride and joy that I feel within my heart. Being one who takes pride and happiness in seeing others succeed, my heart is excited about two situations I’ve played a part in creating. Both of these situations come to good friends of mine, one I consider like a son/brother (Brandon) and the other is one I have a close connection with and considered one of my good friends (Derek). I’m blessed I have a circle of close friends, each with a different place in my heart/life and each a source of motivation for my own life.
Life has changed for these two guys in the course of the last 12 hours. One is embarking on a new chapter of life/higher ed/career while the other is leaping to a higher level in their career.
Although each has paved his own way and created the opportunities, I reflect on the small part I’ve played in this. Words can’t describe this feeling….its a feeling a crave, have passion for, and in some aspects reveals to me this is (atleast one of) my life’s purpose.
I titled this page “Paying it forward”. In all honesty, I’m humbled by the people, the little things and happenings that has gotten me to this point in life. My instructor at Wichita State University (Dr. Clay Stoldt) is one of those…and the reason I mention him is he is my mentor in this crazy world of sports. I have MANY MANY others who have also contributed to my growth. To everyone I as say a heartfelt “THANKS” and know I try my best to pay it forward to others.
Back to the subject, I feel like a proud parent. Unable to have kids myself, I can only guess this feeling I have right now would be ‘equivalent’ to being that proud parent. As mentioned, Brandon is a young man who I hold close to my heart. I could go on and on about him, but for the sake of this post I’ll do the short version of our relationship. He worked with me here at Barton for the past 4 yrs (1 as a student ambassador, 3 as a student worker here in the Sports Info Office). I’ve seen a young man with unbelievable talent and potential. When he finally figured out what he wanted to do ‘for the rest of his life’, he chose sports. I was delighted yet cautious when dealing with him. I tried to teach him what I could and instead of pumping him full of “oh sports is great” type of approach, I instead helped show him the ‘darker side’ of sports….such as the behind the scenes, ‘less sexy type of duties’, and the time commitment it takes. But he survived….and is now going to take his talents to Fort Hays State University. Thankfully FHSU opened their doors to him (special thanks to my long time friend Jon Armstrong for helping him) and I’m proud to say Brandon took initiative and got himself a job with the Sports Info Office at FHSU. “My boy” is continuing his path to greatness in this industry!!
Gosh, where do I start with Derek!? The short version is I turned down a job at Arizona Western College last summer. Derek was working the in the crazy world of minor league baseball at the time, combing the web for a secure full-time position in sports. As the universe created my job offer, and my subsequent declining the offer, I was able to put Derek in position to knock the socks off AWC and earn his first Sports Information job at the collegiate level. I helped get him to that door of opportunity, but Derek busted it down with his talent, skill, and personality. A definite proud moment for me seeing him get this opportunity! Now we are just around a year later, and the rising superstar that is Derek is now being offered a job at the 4-year collegiate level!!! So proud of him….and its going to be so fun watching him continue his climb to continued greatness!
Pay it forward….help others succeed just as others have helped you and as the Universe has helped you. Trust me, there is very few greater feelings than seeing others succeed! Take pride of even being that little itty bitty piece of that happening…..because after all, even a simple smile to a stranger is paying it forward and even for just a brief moment, you have helped someone in their life 🙂
~Destiny is your choice~