Date: 2010-10-16
To: Our Calling
Miles today: 0.0

In my video blog from October 8th, I got a little carried away with my feelings about today's media and why it contributed to the difficulty of getting back into the swing of things after my thru hike. I stated that if it were up to me I would totally start a news channel that focused more on the positives of today's everyday working people and how they contribute to society. While starting my own news channel is not exactly feasible right this second I can use my journal to bring a story that touched me because I could relate to it. Below is a link that you need to watch. It would probably be easier if you watched the story and then read the rest of this journal. So do it now Ok, you're back. I can honestly say that I was brought to tears by this story. Why? Simple. Because this seemingly unknown QB from the University of Wisconsin is using whatever notariety he has for a positive thing. To uplift and change a little boy's life while the boy fights for his life. He's not doing it for a "resume builder" or to make himself a bigger celebrity so he can say to everyone "look what I did." He's doing it because he knows he can make a difference. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to pump up this story because he's a QB (like me) and he goes to the University of Wisconsin (we all know that my loyalties are strictly with the University of Kentucky). This story just proves one simple point and its the same point I try to tell the students of CCA. You don't have to be a celebrity to make a positive difference in someone's life.For the last several years I used to watch the news, espn, and just the media in general and follow these stories about these self indulgent celebrities who were gojillionaires but gave nothing back to society. Of course, since its the media, we only heard about the celebrities who were going to rehab, spending thousands of dollars on jewelry, going to jail, beat their wives etc and I would think to myself...boy, if I could just be a celebrity I would try and make a positive influence. God, make me a celebrity so that I could change the world. I would totally do the right thing if I were in the spotlight.As the years passed by and my celebrity status was still at a zero status, it hit me one day. Why do I have to be a celebrity to make a difference? Now, I know what you're thinking..."here we go, another you can change the world speech." No, I'll spare you but you can change just one person's life if you just take the initiative. When I realized that I wasn't ever going to be a celebrity I decided to not wait around anymore to make a difference. Hence, the idea for A Walk for the Future. While I knew I couldn't give the school millions of dollars or give it a special plug on MTV, I knew I could help it in some small way. Whether it be raising just $10 or spreading the word of the school by talking about it I knew I could do something...anything. And guess what happens when you make a positive impact on someone's life....they carry on the torch and do it for someone else. Its a contagious thing.So, while I know everyone can't just up and hike the AT for 6 months I just want to put it out there that you can spare a little time, any time for making a difference in someone's life in any capacity that fits you. Everyone has something to offer. Really, what are you getting out of not helping someone. We are here on this earth to serve one another. Thats great, One Life, but what does this journal entry have to do with your hike on the AT. Really nothing. I was just moved by this story I watched on ESPN this morning and thought I could relate my story to the rest of my 3 readers (sometimes 4 if I call my sister and tell her to read my journal haha). Anyways, just remember that you really can make a difference. I didn't know that was possible until I took the proactive first step and got involved. Everyone has something to offer.We are called to help one another.THE LINK: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=5690622&categoryid=2378529