Opinion: A little ambition goes a long way

May 3, 2012

Opinion by Brittney Richerson |Ranger Editor

Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news. The good news is that you don’t know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish and what your potential is. –Anne Frank
My mother shared the quote above with me a few days ago, and I couldn’t help but ponder just how true it is. We all are capable of something great – it is in each and every one of us.
What makes us all unique is not necessarily what we are capable of doing, but the drive and sense of direction that lies within us, leading us to pursue that great potential.
Anne Frank’s simple, optimistic words are so fitting for my life at this time, as my mother probably knew upon sharing them with me.
The newspaper these words are printed in is the final edition of The Ranger under my direction as editor. Over the past week, as I’ve approached a fork in the road in my journey, I feel like I’ve been on a pretty bizarre emotional trip.
I plan to attend Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi in the fall and hope to find my niche as a musician and a journalist in that community. Having lived in Amarillo all 22 years of my life, I have been so thrilled about the idea of going somewhere new to experience what else life has to offer, and I’ve been dreaming of finding new challenges to push me further as an individual and a professional.
In all the excitement, I almost forgot to consider what and who I first must say “goodbye” to before pursuing this new chapter in my life. When I did realize what I’ll be leaving behind, I couldn’t help but break down a little. I consider myself to be a pretty strong individual, but this … It’s going to be tough.
I will leave Amarillo with no regrets, however. I’ve been blessed with so many incredible opportunities in all aspects of life in this community. At the top of that list would be having the opportunity to be editor of this publication.
It was only a little over a year ago that I was offered this opportunity. Little did I know then what I was getting myself into, having only been in the mass communication department for less than two semesters.
Pretty much blindly, I dove right into the position.
I won’t lie; it has been no walk in the park. It has challenged me and forced me to grow so much in so many ways – as a young professional, as a student and even as an individual. I have learned more about myself – my weaknesses, fears and struggles as well as my strengths and passions – over the past academic year than I have collectively my entire life.
Taking on this challenge was so far outside my comfort zone, but here I am at the end of it, still alive. Not only did I survive, but I am a stronger, better-educated and more-experienced journalist and individual because of the tests I have been put to during my term as editor.
What does this mean to you?
I encourage you to get involved. Challenge yourself and be willing to set foot outside the boundaries set around you, whether you personally have boxed yourself up or society has.
We never can truly know what we are capable of until we are willing to set the bar high and prepare ourselves to take on the mindset and work ethic necessary to reach it.
As Thomas Edison said:
“If we all did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.”
So astound yourself. Be willing to put yourself in a position that is going to terrify you, make you incredibly uncomfortable and open your mind to learn something new. With a willing heart and strong will, you will amaze yourself.
Thank you all so much for the opportunity to be editor of your student publication here at Amarillo College.
A special thanks to Mike Haynes and Jill Gibson, student publication advisers, and all the faculty, staff and my fellow students within the department who have so patiently helped me along my way.
This experience always will be held near and dear to my heart. To all of you graduates and others who are willing to go out and achieve greatness – I wish you only the bluest of skies along the way.
Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. –Harold R. McAlindon.