If you are lucky enough to find your passion in life, you should do everything in your power to endorse it.
It’s a play on “follow your dreams,” but with the reality of the hard work necessary to get there.
When I figured this out, I was working for a bank in my hometown of Kamloops, B.C. and taking business courses at Thompson Rivers University (T.R.U).
I had convenient hours, the nine-to-five kind, and all of the perks that are assumed in such a position. I had a respected title on a name tag in a successful company. I made a steady wage, received an annual bonus and had all of the support and time needed to successfully be promoted. Not to mention, my co-workers were the best people around.
I had it good – and I knew it. Though I never wanted to take my good fortune for granted, something was missing.
I was lucky – brought up in a generation where I never had to walk to school uphill in the snow both ways. My parents built everything they had from the ground up and worked harder than they deserved to create a good life for my 22-year-old brother and me.
With all of the opportunities in the world staring me in the face, I stared bug-eyed at all of them.
Studying near home at T.R.U., I opted for programs that translated into good careers. I should have done better, but I was trying to force the puzzle piece into the wrong spot.
In my elective courses, I discovered success and even better, subjects that appealed to me. Quickly I transferred into the arts where I blindly took courses of interest. Learning about the world became the greatest stimulant to me.
I soon discovered an exchange program offered through my school. I felt it would give me the opportunity to experience the world rather than just read about it, so I studied in Milan, Italy for four months and travelled an additional two months on my own.
Ultimately, I fell in love with the world.
I enjoyed asking people what they recommended and trying to say yes to as many situations as possible.
I consistently kept a blog during my travels to update my friends and family. When I returned home, I found that what I missed most about travelling was the ritual of writing. I entered journalism with the hopes I could have a career in learning about the world and writing about it. After graduating with my journalism degree and gaining a couple years experience in the industry, I have found my favourite stories involve issues that impact people. I am thankful to be inspired daily.
My path may seem like a spoiled kid reluctant to grow up, commit and get am a very passionate person, but I was more or less a windup doll running in any direction I was placed in.
Enjoying our time on Earth is what life is all about. If we don’t find our passions and live by them – whether in our professional or personal lives – we will regret it.
It’s why I hope you’ll understand that I will continue to cheer for the Vancouver Canucks.
Thank you for endorsing my passion by reading my first column at the Rocky View Weekly.
I look forward to learning and writing about your worlds.
