Two posts in one day?! Woah, let’s not get carried away Justine. I decided to jump right into things with #ReflectionsofGratitude because it was actually this memory that inspired the idea.
Monday, thanks to Facebook memories, I was reminded that FIVE years ago I interviewed Dwyane Wade and number of others at a fundraising celebrity kickball tournament hosted by Baron Davis. While I hadn’t forgotten this memory, I could not believe it was five years ago.
Five years ago, when I was a bright-eyed, bushy tailed, 23-year-old and a relative rookie to LA. I was hustling my way through the sports journalism field, interning here, working there, and just trying to get experience wherever I could. I was young and inexperienced in a HUGE market and my own biggest critic. Often feeling like I was a hamster on a wheel, I was never sure if I’d ever be as good as [insert person x, y, and z] to be able to compete. Every time I posted a video or interview, I was terrified.
Suddenly, five years ago seems about right. That kid was young and green. If I could go back and tell young Justine some things, I’d say, Justine, at 23, you’re navigating your way in a big city. You’re getting amazing opportunities. You’re interviewing Dwyane Wade, the guy who hung on a poster in your dorm room freshman year! You’re sitting down with athletes who people dream of interviewing. And you’re only getting better. As it turns out, that reel of yours isn’t so awful after all.
I’d say, enjoy the process. You’re doing it. You’re not so bad. I’m actually proud of you!
My, how life has changed and evolved since then. With no regrets and to my own content, about a year after this moment, I transitioned away from the journalism field to the digital side. (Although, I think I feel an itch coming back.) I continued to push forward and grow and navigate my way through this very competitive city. Five years later, I reluctantly admit that I’m an LA vet now. This city is my city. The world is at my fingertips and these experiences only equipped me for greater ones! And for that, I am grateful! I'm grateful for where the journey has taken me.
So a reminder to myself and anyone else, the journey is DOPE. The process IS the fun part. Thanks life, let’s keeping moving on up, but maybe not to the east side...I think I like the west side.
*If you have WAY too much time on your hands, feel free to watch the rest of the interviews from the event below, but remember, this is a judgement free zone. Haha
**Also, if you've never seen the Dwyane Wade commercial that inspired this post title, do yourself a favor and watch it here. It's one of the greatest basketball commercials ever made.
