Three years ago this sports writer began his career with the Voice as a sophomore. I remember that first article, an introduction to then-new athletic director Bernard Muir. Countless columns, game coverages and features have followed in the time since then. This week marks the last time my byline will grace these pages.
This end, though, comes with beginning. The question of “What’s next?” has crept up on me and an entire class of seniors.
I’ve had a number of big life dreams throughout the years. Some have passed, others live on, still others have just begun to appear. I’m confused. I don’t know what I want to do. Actually, I do. It’s just that there are too many things that I want to do.
As I watched the classic Field of Dreams a few days ago, I started to realize a few things about all of these dreams that we have. Our dreams all come in different forms, and we will all follow them in different ways. Some of us will have to face sacrifices and criticism like Ray Kinsella. Others will struggle to support others in their dreams like Ray’s wife. Some will be “kidnapped” and guided to our dreams by others like Terence Mann. Some will get close to their dreams before abandoning them in order to follow their true calling like “Moonlight” Graham. Still others will have their dreams stolen away from them like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.
As long as we follow the signs, our true dreams will be realized. Ray gets to reconcile with his father. Ray and his wife will be able to keep the farm and field. Mann gets the story of his life. “Moonlight” gets to prove himself as a baseball player against the best and still goes on to save lives as a doctor. And of course “Shoeless” Joe gets to play ball again.
Watching a movie like Field of Dreams helps take away the pressure that comes with the end of something good that leads to the beginning of something new.In a month from now I will be in cap and gown, receiving my diploma. While I still don’t know the immediate answer to the question of “What’s next?” that haunts me, I do know that there is an answer out there somewhere. And I want to finish this final column by extending some advice to my mates in the Class of 2008 in the pursuit of their dreams: “Go the distance.”
