Growing up, I found myself surrounded by a family who strived to give their all while doing what they loved most. My oldest brother was featured in The Xpress’ sports section and gave his all on the football field. My dad strived for success by creating his own business, and his name can now be seen on signs around town. These ambitions include a reward made public. Now what about the people who put in the work and never receive the amount of recognition they deserve?

My mom is a great example of this because she gives her all in the classroom everyday by going beyond her position as a teacher to ensure her students have the support they need.

Everybody works. Everybody has ambitions. Everybody has a story, whether it gets told or not.

I must acknowledge that although I am writing on a public platform, this is not to be perceived as a desire for recognition itself. As a junior in high school, I’ve been hit by the reality of not being an exceptional athlete and have considered quitting activities many times. This past fall, I was on the varsity swim team, but I have not yet received my varsity letter.

In addition, I have chosen to be a part of the theatre tech crew for four years now. My crew and I have spent hours behind curtains, laptops and light boards to create countless productions. I still believe my tech crew deserves more than a motion from the cast and five seconds of applause after a show. Again, why continue with the process if we don’t get enough recognition for our work? That’s not what it is about. I’ve spent these years working my way up the ladder to receive the position of assistant director. Maintaining this leadership position is quite demanding, but I do it for the personal reward and the enjoyment for others.

My biggest ambition in high school is to make Xhilaration show choir, which certainly will not come on a silver platter. This goal would be a privilege. I gave it my all and achieved this goal, but only to find out that I fell short and made the group as an alternate. I was left to dance countless hours of choreography separated from the rest, without a spot on stage. Again, I considered quitting because why be dancing behind a curtain when I dreamed of dancing front and center?

I was so overwhelmed and failed to hold back the tears, but now I think those tears expressed the raw passion I have for what I do. Later, my director, Mr. Walker, casually mentioned the alternates would be put on the stage for the entire show, which sounded too good to be true. This was a genuine reward because of the passion within me.

It’s okay to not be the exceptional student who makes headlines or Xavier’s morning announcements. If you are in a public environment, look around you. Friends, strangers, Xavier administration, coworkers; every person is currently pursuing a passion. If you’re always striving for the satisfaction of recognition, you will find that little passion is involved throughout the process. Instead, strive for the reward of truly loving what you do.

No matter where you go in life, no matter what your work, ambition, or story is, make it count to you.