Olympic Fever

I'm an Olympic junkie. I followed the 2012 London games with enthusiasm, and I went through a major withdrawal, so I'm excited that the Olympics are back! The games are permeated with the patriotism and pride that is normally not present in everyday life here in the U.S.A. Unfortunately, it seems that every other nation has less-than-favorable opinion of our country. Heck, even Americans hate America. But during the Olympics, there's a great sense of national pride. I love hearing the chants of "USA! USA! USA!" We come together as one to support our athletes and to elevate the United States.

But as I watch these young athletes winning medals and achieving their dreams, I often think to myself, "They've accomplished more than I ever will in my entire life." I may never do something as incredible as compete in the Olympics. I may just be a pretty good teacher, and leave it as that. I may instill a love of all things history to my students, but where do I leave the mark for myself? Where's my legacy? Will I always have this ordinary life with nothing to show for it? Do I have the potential to do something great with my life? Are people predestined for great things, and some destined to sit on the sidelines?

When I was seven, I started playing the violin. I quit about a year later for many reasons (one of them being that I wasn't learning how to play rock and roll). Can you imagine how GOOD I would be if I never quit? I could have earned a ticket to Julliard. When I was in high school, I wanted to be an actress, but I surrendered that as well. What if I have great potential inside me to win Oscars and Golden Globes?

I've always felt that I was destined to do something great. I don't know what my destiny is, but I don't think it is merely raising the average test scores of students and grading papers my whole life. I might have something great inside of me, some untapped potential. Who knows, maybe I have the ability to be an Olympic champion in curling (I would bet on it...part of my family is from Canada). You only get one chance at life...why not make the best of it and try to be the very best you can be?

So, as you sit watching figure skating and hockey, don't get discouraged by your lack of success. There is potential inside of everybody.