“As a young person, you have not even begun to realize your potential. You are searching for those things that you enjoy and can do well. In the process, try many things. One of the many gifts my parents gave me was to expose me to a variety of activities as a child. I learned to try the foods of different cultures, to appreciate the arts, to be physically active, and to enjoy the outdoors. Thanks to my parents, I am as comfortable in a suit and tie as I am in shorts and a t-shirt. I am as at home in the city as I am in the country. I can enjoy the assortment of tastes, and appreciate the diversity among God’s people. I can tap into both sides of my brain, and I can enjoy the theater or art museum as much as a good football game.
I remember fondly Saturdays in the fall as a child. Mornings were spent at Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh at art classes. Dad would pick me up, and I would change into my football uniform in the car in the Liberty Tunnel on my way to my Little League game. I became neither a world-renowned artist nor an NFL football star (nor was I necessarily a high school standout), but I learned about myself and grew as a person.
As an educator, I appreciate the value of a liberal education in an age when we are becoming increasingly specialized. I’ve been told that we (Ph.D.s) learn more and more about less and less until we know all there is about absolutely nothing. This should not be the case. Yes, develop your greatest gifts, but also find interests on the side that will make you a well-rounded person. And, when you find those things that interest you, do them with all your heart. Be passionate about everything you do. If you take this approach, you will succeed.
You will battle with self-doubt. We all do. You will hear from people that you lack the capacity to succeed. You will be told that you are inadequate and that you are not suited for the task at hand. Don’t listen to these people!! Turn your back to them and seek out those who will be supportive. When you can’t find supportive people, don’t worry. Remember that God is in your corner, and you can Trust in yourself. You can, and you will.
Your greatest enemy is self-doubt. Remember the Armstrong motto: Invictus Maneo—”I remain unvanquished.” Only you can determine your success or failure.
I may be beginning to sound like I am telling you that will always be capable of doing anything at anytime. I am not at all implying that you can do everything at this moment. You can do anything that you determine to devote yourself to doing. If you told me that you wanted to climb Mount Everest, I would support you. Would I encourage you to book the next flight to Tibet? Absolutely not! Most anything you do will require significant preparation and time. In the process of accomplishing your goal, you will undoubtedly face setbacks and disappointments. But with continued effort—and proper preparation—you will succeed. To run a marathon begins with one step. As you train and prepare, you grow and adapt. You become more and more suited to your goal.”—Lessons for Liam