Dedication and Determination Rewarded

As a father and a principal, I spend a significant amount of time instructing young people on the benefits of hard work, confidence, believing in yourself, etc. Sometimes these “life-lessons” leave me wondering if I really got through. Saying something can be meaningful, but experiencing it brings the lesson to a deeper, more-meaningful level.

My son, Joshua, is a sophomore. He is a remarkable young man. His life-story includes two recent journeys through cancer. Through many rounds of chemotherapy, proton radiation, hospital stays, and surgeries, he continued to amaze me with his faith and resiliency. While battling cancer the first time, he continued to play on his baseball team, not wanting to let down his teammates. The second journey shortened his Middle School Cross Country season. He loves participating in sports even though he may not be as athletically gifted as his peers.

Joshua preparing to receive a Proton Radiation Treatment

This post though was not meant to be about his past bouts with cancer. Instead, it is a dad’s public, written admiration of his son. Joshua continues to run Cross Country. As a Freshman, he rarely did well enough in practice to be allowed to travel with the team to meets. His lack of success did not daunt him, nor dissuade him from his goal of earning a Varsity letter. Through the summer prior to his sophomore year, he worked hard. The hard work paid off as he earned a spot on the Junior Varsity Team and was able to run in every meet. His PR (Personal Record) was broken frequently throughout the season and he was able to run on the Varsity Team 4 times as one of the Top Seven runners. The season ended and Joshua eagerly awaited the news of who would be the Top Seven runners selected to compete in the Regional Championships. He was hopeful of hearing his name called though he knew his average times over the season might not be enough.

The coach’s announcement should have been disappointing. Joshua was selected as the #8, or Alternate Runner. He would continue to practice with the team and travel to the Championship Race but would not be able to run unless something happened to one of the Top Seven runners. As Joshua shared this news with me, I expected him to be downhearted or disillusioned as he had worked hard for his dream. Instead, he confidently told me, “Dad, I am going to work as hard as possible in practice so that if they need me, I’ll be ready.” I was filled with pride as his words washed over me. I could not have scripted a better response. Instead of bemoaning his near-miss, he was planning how to make the most of the situation.

We talked after each practice leading up to the championships. He continued to be upbeat and motivated. He shared his determination to prepare just in case. With no hope to run again this season, he could have shrugged off the practices. He could have felt sorry for himself. He chose a higher path. I encouraged him in his efforts and told him of how proud I was going to be to stand next to him as we cheered on his teammates. I needed him to know that my pride in him was not based on academic or athletic success. I have simply expected his best work at whatever he attempted. Running or not, Joshua could be confident in how proud his dad is of him.

The story could end there and stand as a testament to dedication and determination. He had worked hard all season and steadily improved. In the end, he had shown his true character in how he responded to disappointment. The story does not end there though. One of the runners wound up not being able to compete. The team only had six of the needed seven runners and turned to their alternate. Joshua stood ready, having worked hard to be prepared.

Joshua (with the R on his chest) running for his team.

When the starter’s pistol sounded at the North Carolina 4A Regional Championships, Joshua took off, running with his teammates. He ran one of his fastest times for the season. People attending the meet may not have noticed him as he finished near the back, but his family and friends did, relishing in the warm feeling of hard work repaid. It can be said of him that he is dedicated to his team and determined to always be prepared. I could not be prouder of him as he taught with his actions that making the best of every situation and choosing to approach life with confidence and optimism ensures that when opportunity knocks, we will be ready to succeed. In life, dedication and determination are rewarded.