“You’re not supposed to be here.” “You seem to have forgotten your place.” “This ain’t for you.”

Ever dreamt big? Then maybe you’ve been told something along these lines. Every kid deserves to be born with a framework for a solid life. However, some aren’t so lucky as to have that kind of privilege. I am one of these people who have had teachers, friends, counselors, even family doubt me. Some said a skinny dude like me couldn’t be an athlete. They said I’d never maintain a respectable academic track record. Lastly, many still doubt that I can ever turn my passion for music into a career. Boy, am I deeply indebted to all of you. Because if it weren’t for you, then where would I get the fire in my belly or the thrill of excelling in what I enjoy?

No, I’m not where I want to be. Not yet. It will take a long time, much longer than it did for other people to reach their desired places. My patience will be put to the test. But it thrills me to know I can work hard to meet my goals and can get past anything in my way. And my doubters fuel my journey through life almost daily. One day, all of my hard work will pay off somehow.

Now this certainly isn’t to say that everybody accomplishes their dreams. To be realistic, there will only be one best basketball player, one best singer or a select few greatest scientists in the world. Unforeseen circumstances can also be a factor. Although competition and unforeseen circumstances do kill some dreams, the beauty of pursuing them goes beyond merely their accomplishment. It also includes the lessons I’ve learned along the journey, like teamwork, perseverance & hard work. These are lessons that extend beyond the environments of any baseball diamond, any stage, any studio, any classroom. They pervade every aspect of life.

Not everyone will believe in me. The comfort of certainty is the exact opposite of what it means to have the odds stacked against your favor. It’s a poker game for me. The only thing I got to decide is how to play my cards. And even though my life has been shaped to a degree by these kinds of circumstances, I aspire to leave a legacy of overcoming the barriers that would keep me from succeeding. I’m not sure what life has in store for me, but I’m ready to embrace it, both for better and worse.