Life is an adventure in itself. It’s the greatest, most challenging adventure there is. Survival, of course is the main goal whether it is your personal survival, that of your genes, species or the world. For me, nothing captures this as much as a portrait of a child (which in this case is my cousin) blissfully playing.
To what extent would you influence children’s development, i.e. life adventure?
In response to this week’s Weekly Photo Challenge: Adventure from dailypost
Can you imagine being 11 years old and being given away by the people you have treated as your own parents?
What was it like to be a ‘child of the state’?
What was it like to not have your own parents (adoptive or not) while you were growing up?
How is it possible that Lemn Sissay was able to endure all of these and become as successful as he is?
Please watch the most poignant and powerful story ever told on a TED stage.
When I was 10 years old, I was convinced I was going to be a professional basketball player when I grow up. I practised everyday for hours on end. I made huge strides in improving my dribbling, shooting and passing skills. I made sure I played against better players each day, and tried my best to beat them. I also remember not being able to sleep after my team lost a game.
Basketball was my life back then. I watched every single basketball game that was on TV. Homeworks, school projects and exams were disregarded and set aside. Lunch and breaktimes were spent playing basketball under the sun. I challenged the best players in my town to one-on-one games (I lost to most of them). I played until I cannot run anymore.
My dream of playing pro-ball ended when I broke both my ankles and tore the ligaments in my shoulder a few years ago. Doctors have advised me to quit basketball but I ignored them. I kept playing for two more years which made my shoulder worse. This forced me to sadly give up my childhood dream.
Although I suffered inside for a long time after that decision, I take solace from the fact that at the age of 10, I was able to focus on a goal. I have done everything that I can to advance and reach my goal. I was determined.
Though I failed to become a professional basketball player, my unparalleled determination and drive to succeed have stayed with me ever since. Nobody can tell me I can’t do something just because it’s too hard.
My pro-ball dream isn’t too far removed from what I do now, which is an educator of young people wigth Special Educational Needs. I enjoy my job as much as I used to enjoy basketball. I inspire other people as much as (I think) I would if I’m playing ball. What’s even better is that I am changing others’ lives much more with my current job than I feel I would ever have as a basketball player.
Understanding and Embracing Diversity 