A story. A very good friend of mine that I went to High School with always wanted to be a writer. We used to draw comic books back in Chemistry class. (1996-1997) I could see early on that he had not only a knack for storytelling, but illustration as well.
Time past, we both graduated and went about our ways. I ran into him in Atlanta about two years ago. I was eating at local spot that will remain nameless. He was a cook, working the night shift. I made sure to sit up by the front of the bar so we could talk and catch up.
Right off the bat I am all like “Man, what about what we used to talk about in class. What about you wanting to be a writer? What about that book you were writing? Are you still doing that stuff?” He replied, “Yeah, every now and then. I more moonlight as a writer now; but I have realized that doing stuff like that is not realistic. I mean, you can’t make money doing it.”
So, now life has pretty much got him caught up in the grind, cooking at a local joint, probably making minimum wage. After that was said, I come back with, “Well, are you wanting to go to school?” He say’s, “I would love to, but there is no way I can afford anything like that. Schools cost a lot of money bro, and I have rent to pay”. Right after that comment, he admitted that he hated his job more than anything.
Of course, I had a comeback to that right away. I grew up with pretty much nothing at all. When I realized that I wanted to transfer to The Art School, I was well aware it would not be cheap. Having to tell them I did not really have contact with my Mom was not easy either. (They needed all this BS paperwork with signatures from both parents. Sorry, not going to happen.) the main point is that I had a determination. I was going to go to Art School and become a designer no matter what it took. It was the drive to make a better life for myself; not only that but I was going to follow my childhood dream of being an artist.
After telling him this, I think it pretty much soured all his excuses and reasons he could not be doing it. He said it actually inspired him and he would look into it. I was really excited leaving thinking maybe I was helping change someone’s life.
Long story short, I visited that same local joint not all that long ago. To my surprise, he was still there as a cook. We had a similar conversation and he had pretty much given up on any thought of following his dreams. I asked why and it seemed all I got was the same excuses. “School is too expensive, I have bills to pay, I don’t have time for that now.” Day’s turn into weeks, weeks turn into months, etc. Before you realize it, everyone has moved on and you are trapped.
The way I see it, you have the rest of your life to live and work your ass off. Why not make smart choices, and invest in your future. School loans can be paid back; it’s an investment in yourself. Follow your dreams because you only grow older and can loose sight as time goes on it you don’t go after it. My good friend may wake up one day and realize that he has to just go after it to make it happen. Or, he may not.
