“In west Philadelphia born and raised
On the playground was where I spent most of my days
Chillin' out maxin' relaxin' all cool
And all shooting some b-ball outside of the school”
Throughout my entire academic career, I don’t remember hearing the word “passion” until I was practically done with college and ready to formally enter the real world. Where were all the “passion” people hiding while I was growing up? Probably dealing with my same struggles? But can we just talk about that thing called passion for a hot second?
Urbandictionary.com, which is the only credible source of reference, hit the nail on the head explaining it as: “When you put more energy into something than is required to do it. It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement, passion is ambition that is materialized into action to put as much heart, mind body and soul into something as is possible.”
Go to school, Cam. Get good grades, Cam. Get a good job, Cam. That’s pretty much all I heard, so it was what I ended up doing. Some 20 years’ worth of schooling and a pretty good job opportunity later, I found out I wasn’t passionate about accounting. I do think a lot of us students went away to study, but did not use that opportunity to pursue our passion.
I found my passion after student life. The only thing I was willing to wake up every morning and do was photography. The only thing I know I couldn’t live without doing was photography. And the only thing I knew I had to make sure I was great at was photography. In my opinion, anyone who has found what they’re passionate about should find a means to work in that field or create a job/work opportunity for themselves, even if it’s part-time. The fire passion brings won’t allow you to settle for anything different.
I think today’s generation has it better off where passion is concerned, but we also get Trump, so I’m not sure if we’re really winning. More parents are letting kids pursue the things they love; schools seem to be improving how they assist students in choosing careers; and the economy is welcoming to artists and entrepreneurs. Look at the examples of Bianca Dijkhoffz, who did her last two years of high school online in order to pursue dance; and Devon ‘Guilda’ Stapleton, who put his thesis on pause to pursue his music. They were able to realize and develop their passions, with the support of their families, friends and country, and put in the work to bring those dreams to life.
Tuesday evening, while sitting in on a panel discussion called “Talk Art” that featured dancers Giovanni Webster, Natorii Illidge, Eoli “Miss Bee” Ada, Bianca Dijkhoffz and Marine Caillet, I had an amazing experience. Hearing the stories of young individuals, who decided to pursue professional careers in the arts – their struggles, failures, investments (MONETARY investments) and processes was inspiring. It’s amazing to see that you can make a living out of things you love, that you can choose to go the unconventional route and still be successful and you can come from an island that isn’t even recognizable on the map and still be recognized on a worldwide platform.
Your passion will drive you and it will make a way for you. Of course, you have to work on it, improve on your craft, study hard, and READ!!! I’m learning the importance of reading a lot now myself. Trust me, though, the sooner you figure out what you’re passionate about and pursue it, the greater of a success you’ll be. And it’s cool too if you find it a little later; I was 23 when I found mine; but oh, man if I “hadda” discovered this earlier!!
Passion is always there, though; it makes itself present throughout your life. I’ve always had a thing for taking hundreds of pictures on vacations, or at family events – I even have a hard drive filled with memories that I stumbled on recently. Keep your eyes open! Find that thing!
Cues Guilda - Will I
