Uncommon Legend

When I couldn’t see it for myself

As I reflect on this Saturday afternoon, I think about all the influential people in my life, and I am incredibly grateful. When I could not see my potential, they took a chance on me. Of all the people they could have doubled down, they chose me. Now I know you are probably reading this and saying, “Okay, Albert, cut the theatrics!” But I am serious. Growing up, I never really saw myself as the leader type. Coaches and teachers constantly skipped over me. However, a select few saw who I was inside and wanted to bring it out of me. I often felt like I would never make it anywhere in life, but there were individuals placed in my life that wanted more of me and knew that I had something to offer that was greater than myself.

You don’t know how to handle compliments if you are anything like me. They feel like lies and that someone will rip the rug from underneath you! I remember the first time I had a teacher tell me I was meant for more. It was my eighth-grade English teacher, and I had almost failed her class one nine weeks. However, it wasn’t that my comprehension level was low. It was my motivation level that was low. I didn’t believe in myself, and I was the chubby, short black kid named Albert; how could I? I hated myself, I thought no one liked me, but I remember how she wrote my entire class personal notes at the end of the year. She told me that I was an intelligent young man who needed to believe in himself. Her message to me sparked a tiny fire inside me and let me know that I was seen. I knew my family loved me, but they’re supposed to do that. I wanted others to care about me, and she did! The irony, however, is that she was my tenth-grade English teacher as well! I don’t think she knows how much of an impact that made on me then, but I am genuinely grateful.

Fast-forward to now, and I can see the number of people that have given me a hand as I continue this journey we call life. I still have moments of despair, but they are a lot less often and less mellow dramatic. I can reflect and know that I am loved. The odd part about it all is that I am now the one that looks at the potential within others. What makes my career enjoyable is that I can aid someone in their walk of life and let them know they are loved and capable of so much more. In these final thoughts, I would like to challenge you to think, who helped you see your potential, and how can you give back?