I flew to Czech Republic to pursue my childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

Now, at that point when fully deciding this is a journey I want to take I only had one person in mind.

A boy who I thought deserved more than what he got. I made that decision in order to finally give that boy the respect and acknowledgment he deserved. Now that I gave that boy part of what he wanted, my focus has dilated.

I carry a picture of my mom, dad and I in my soccer bag. Every game I look at that picture. It isn’t just their faces I look at. My dad in his navy blue Body Beautiful Car Wash shirt. I look at him and I see a man of inexplicable sacrifice, determination and hard work. I can smell the oil and car shampoo, grit and sacrifice is what comes to mind. Now I look at my mom, I see a woman of exquisite intelligence, fairness, and diligence. I see her hands and I am reminded of the eczema she permanently developed after working with harsh chemicals as a servant in her early days in America. I want to make them proud. I remind myself that they were underdogs as well, with those traits they achieved all they wished for. They are my guides to my own success.

I think of a little girl with yellow overalls and two pig-tails following my ski tracks. I tried my best for my tracks to be nice and parallel so she knew the correct way to ski. I don’t forget that she’s hopefully still looking at them.

Now the only thing left in that picture is myself. I don’t directly see my age. But I am older. I want to keep making that man proud as well.

Maybe he’s reading this now.

Work for people you love, if you’re not as fortunate as me work for your older self who wants nothing but success for you as well.