Congratulations! Thank you! I'm proud of you! Job well done! You are special to me! Keep up the great work thus far! I'm praying for you! I believe in you! Most importantly...You are LOVED!
At this point in time...I have in no way, shape or form, "Made it!" Truth be told, I'm just getting started and just like you, my future is bright; if I might add... no brighter than yours! My life has been a constant reflection of the company I keep, constantly believing in myself, putting God first, fighting to make my dreams a reality along with having a constant relentless pursuit of hard work and Championship Effort in all I do. Oh and having my teachers, coaches and parents believe in me.
It wasn't too long ago that I had a guest speaker come and visit me. In fact, just recently I finished my Master's Degree and we'd have them every Friday for an entire year. Whether it was a former Miss America, a famous athlete or a local hero, it didn't matter; I listened. I'm here for you. This letter is to you. This moment in time is ALL for you! November 17, 2013 @ 4pm vs. the San Diego Chargers is a day to celebrate! Perhaps I was destined to be here... to encourage you; to educate you on having a humble hustle on your journey through AVID and toward success. Remember, Life is merely a constant reflection of the everyday decisions you make; I'm here to encourage you that AVID was one of your BEST decisions yet! So, keep making the right ones!
For me it was simple: Learn From Others' Mistakes, Dream Big, Trust My Struggle.
Why must you make your own mistakes when all of your friends will simply make the mistakes for you? Learn from them (your friends); they are pretty good teachers you know. lol
Ask yourself a few questions about each one of your friends:
Are they in AVID? Do they make you happy?
Do they encourage you when you're having bad days? Are they there for you in a time of need? Do they pick on other kids at your school? Are they full of gossip and drama? Do your parents approve of them? Do they have the highest grades in your class? Do they have dreams, goals and aspirations of being great? Have they been in trouble with the law? Do they fight or steal? Lastly, do they do the right thing when no one is watching and are they pressuring you to join them?
These are a few simple questions that will help you identify both positive and negative people in your life. Regardless of where you are in life...you'll need to analyze the people around you everyday.
A few others were to live in Miami, attend the University of Miami, have a place to call home along the water and live near the beach...guess what? I'm living my dream! I'm not writing these things to brag and boast...its simply an inspiration for you.
If a little fat kid from the middle of nowhere Texas can transform into an AVID "Young Scholar", honor roll recipient, college graduate, national champion, masters graduate and land a job in the NFL, anything is possible. I simply allowed teachers to pour into my life. I chose wisely when it came to friends and relationships. I accepted the struggles that I had and never gave up. My father always told me, "Son, there is nothing free in this world. If you want something you've got to go get it; work for it; make it happen. And, if you do all these things, I will forever be proud of you and you; proud of yourself."
AVID Young Scholars, its my wish for you to do the very same thing. To be all you can be; To dream the biggest of dreams; To accept your misfortunes as well as embrace your struggles; To choose the right group of friends and more importantly learn from their mistakes.
In order to get something you've never had before, you've got to do something you've never done before. Enjoy the gift of life. Laugh. Love. Live. You've got it easy right now, just wait and see.
:) But just in case,
I'm here if you need me...
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| Former LSU Running Back & 2007 National Champion Orlando Gunn |
Orlando D. Gunn Jr.
Twitter: @orlandogunn
IG: @orlandeaux
Web: www.orlandogunn.com
For more information on AVID visit: http://www.avid.org/abo_whatisavid.html
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