There are few moments in life when you come across a reflection.
I however have been lucky enough in my first 31 years to come across about 11: each one of my best friends.
Each resembles a piece of me that is unmistakable to the naked eye.
And not too long ago, I had the opportunity to communicate with a young man who reflected me as a teenager so much I thought I was on crazy pills (Will Ferrell/Zoolander reference).
Granted, his athletic prowess and in-school achievements far surpassed my own. I pretty much finished competing in high school sports by sophomore year, but our drive, determination to succeed, belief in oneself, confidence to be in control, hard/intelligent work ethic, and the insatiable desire to attain the most coveted honors and glory per our peers were identical.
It's not often I come across anyone under the age of 28 who was determined as this kid at the age of 17. That's not an understatement. I’ve found work ethic lacking in people just below my age. But for some reason they feel entitled to more than I or my peers had/have. It’s disturbing. So Sean’s determination is refreshing to say the least.
Increasingly ironic he reflects many of my own teenage experiences uncannily: from travel, to stunts, to personality, to sense of humor and so on and so on.
In a nut shell, working with someone of this interesting “work hard, play harder” blended type "a" and "b" personality is certainly rewarding. This individual will attack the grueling circumstances ahead while being able to smile and truly appreciate the journey. There’s a calming ocean of accomplishment cooling the veins as we take on more arduous and ridiculously uncertain tasks. I find laughing when I feel pain helps soften the “what did I do now” facet. Ask Holly upstairs in her Scoop digs.
She grabs the tendons in my shoulders and I giggle from the pain because it both fascinates me and hurts like hell. :) But I appreciate the effort Holly provides me. I am fortunate for Holly. She's a keeper for life.
Sean is also a keeper for life. One of those people you just know will go on to accomplish amazing things, so long as he continues to utilize the tenacity that's made him so successful to date.
Seeing Sean perform in his Shriners Football game, after winning a Superbowl championship, after playing rugby his senior season, while balancing work - family obligations - senior beach summer fun and his training schedule at Robert Belley Fitness was impressive.
He puts a lot on his schedule but always finishes what he starts.
As my mother would say of me at his age "He burns the candle at both ends."
And perhaps the one trait that impresses me most of Sean is his politeness. He absolutely is courteous and thankful for everything. Between his natural abilities to lead, listen and adjust, having this only exemplifies the childhood he was fortunate to have within his family dynamic.
At the studio, in a text message Sean will always say thank you, offer his truest feeling and respond with sincerity. He displays sportsmanship. That trait is adopted by his parents Angela and Matt foremost. I know because I learned my own from my parents Maryellen and Yvon. And family encouragement is everything in the formative development. Be it aunt’s, uncle’s, grandparents, cousins, siblings, the constant positive reinforcement is vital to a child’s development.
They led me to winning superlatives in my senior class, accomplishing advanced athletic achievements early, believing I would someday somehow be someone of vital importance to many and so on.
Sean's will also carry him through amazing relationships with his professors, coaches and future employers (although I hope he eventually has his own company).
I've trained and performed alongside some of the coolest cats on the planet, and he by far is in the upper echelon. So naturally I'm excited to see him take his talents to the next level of life: his twenties and college.
So with this post, I felt I should honor a reflection. One I already know is destined for something greater. As long as he never stops believing in himself, he will always find a way.
Good luck to Mr. Sean Griffith at Endicott College tomorrow. As it will be his first day of camp with his new teammates, brothers, coaches and run at a conference title.
I believe in him.
Sean ALWAYS lives the dream.
Always In Your Corner Bro,
Rob
Marshfield's Sean Griffith Endicott College's Next Success
