ESPN

ESPN

In ten to fifteen years, I will be working as an analyst for ESPN. As a fourth grader, I wrote 75 pages of stats one season, on every offensive player in the NFL, just for "fun." I can tell you the score of every sporting event I've gone to, whether that be five years ago or seven; it's muscle memory, it's my passion.

When I was nine I told my family I would be a broadcaster one day. They shook it off and laughed saying how hard it is to make it as an analyst. "Alex, you have to know so much, it takes a lot of dedication to stand out."  That's the thing though, ever since Elementary I could keep a conversation with anyone just based on their favorite team. I've blogged for my favorite baseball team, and made connections with Reid Ryan (President of Baseball Operations for the Houston Astros), former players, and even GM's. People have started to follow what I write, telling me they like my insight, and even engage in debates every so often.

Yes, there are a millions of guys who watch the NFL, MLB and NBA, but I'm a minority. Stats run through my head, players salaries are forever internalized in my mind, I never forget a game. I'm not the smartest person in the world, I know that, but I've yet to meet someone who knows more or shares my everyday passion for this "hobby". 

I will make it one day, I will be on TV or posting for a team on their website. Sports have been a part of me since I was a young insecure kid with no friends to turn to; my favorite teams were there for me. When I was bullied in High School I dived deeper into my passion for sports. They say "It's just a game" but not to me, It's my one true love and keeps me feeling whole when I'm lost.

I don't care if you doubt me, others can tell me majoring in journalism is stupid for five more years if they want. I'd rather die of a heart attack tomorrow then give up on a dream then listen to people who tell me my dreams are built on a fantasy that only lives to be unattainable. Never will I give up; the day I listen to others is the day my soul shatters.