For the last four weeks, I've been staring at this 3x5 index card on my wall. I wrote a quotation on it, one from Lance Armstrong. It reads: "There is a point in every race when a rider encounters his real opponent and understands that it's himself." Now, the same sentiment has been uttered by many others in varying forms over the years, but this is just the one I latched onto. It encompasses me in many ways. I've always stood in my own way as far as reaching the success I aspire to. Until the last four weeks.
At the end of April, I applied for a full-time faculty position at Sierra College. Last Wednesday, after four weeks of toil, practice, and sleepless nights, I was rewarded with the position over 92 other applicants. I know how I did it: relentless work, support from family and friends, and the quote from Armstrong. The last was vital. Every time I began to doubt my chances, I thought of the quote, and I believed in myself. This is what landed me the position, I think.
I am overwhelmed still. I must thank all of my ex-students out there who inspired me, as well as my family, friends, and colleagues; my wife; and especially my father-in-law, Ray, who coached me through the process. And, of course, Lance Armstrong.
