Dreams are more than that...

Heading out this morning to speak to an assembly of over 250 5th and 6th graders at Taylor Elementary School in Santa Maria, California. This is really exciting for me. I get to share my stories with them and urge them to have dreams and search for a way to make each and every one of them come true.
My book is a collection of stories about my life in sports radio and TV. But, it's about so much more too. It's about having dreams at any age and doing everything you can to fulfill them, even when many people try to stand in your way. The stories are true and heartfelt. The experiences are honest and only from my personal perspective. I'm sure others see our encounters differently, and that's fine. I convey my life's work in my words for people to enjoy. The journey wasn't always bad or painful, there were some great times too. I met some fantastic people throughout my career, some that I couldn't have done it without. Then I also came into contact with some genuinely awful people. But, I've tried not to hold grudges or hang on to past resentments. Instead, I've learned from each adversity and even grown because of most of those struggles.
Telling these kids about the hard parts of my career will not be my focus. Yes, I was challenged and yes, it was really tough at times. But, my career took me to some amazing places, where I covered cool sports stories and exciting games. It was as much fun as it wasn't, and if someone came to me right now and offered me the chance to do it again, I'd do it. I would be careful, but I would give it another try. Because I won't stop trying, I won't give up, I will not be satisfied until I'm on the radio again talking about sports and the people who play them and the people who run them and the people who make that 'show' happen.
I think these kids today will walk away feeling strong and hopeful, even if their lives don't illustrate that today. I want each one of them to hold their heads a little higher after they've heard some of my stories. If I can give them some confidence and encouragement to follow each dream, even the crazy ones, then I've done my part and I know I made a tiny difference.