"HEY Rookie, you're a pro now."
Morning, noon, and night, this phrase spins around my mind like a tune on a vinyl record with a scratch in the perfect spot-- your favorite lyrics from your favorite song, over and over. I'm one month into my new journey and I still can't get enough of this song. The type of song that always fits regardless of the situation. When I'm happy I sing it joyfully and when I'm frustrated or indifferent I still make my lips mumble along. Nonetheless, this simple track has shaped and molded my mental playlist and has me dancing fearlessly into my new reality.
"Hey Rookie, communicate like a pro."
Moving to Würzburg and adjusting to the German culture has been challenging at times but its all part of the process. The biggest challenge so far is the language barrier. In order to truly connect with teammates and those around me, communication is essential! My Deutsch is still very basic right now but I'm trying my best to teach myself. Others seem to really appreciate my effort and willingness to learn the language. (Quick thought: Does anyone have a German Rosetta Stone copy I can borrow?) Luckily, all of my teammates and most people in the city also speak English so I'm able to communicate well enough to have simple conversations but it is hard to interact with others on a more personal level. For now, I try my best to connect with others using the few words and phrases I do know and through nonverbal communication. Smiles, handshakes, and laughter are universal! Slowly but surely I'm working towards mastering my new language.
"Hey Rookie, work like a pro."
It's still surreal to think that I get paid to play a game I've played for free my entire life. Literally, I'm living my childhood dream. It's definitely a blessing but at the same time, it's my occupation now. As with any job, there is a certain standard and expectation for the quality of product. Although my professional career is just beginning, it is clear to see that most young guys in my field get confused with this expectation of quality. Many players believe their most important task is to go out and score 30 points every night. During my first practice, my coach looked me in the eye and told me a story about a player he coached the season prior. This player averaged nearly 25 points per game, but that's all he could do. My coach sent him home mid-season and to this day he is still without a job. The young player scored 25 points a game but was a horrible teammate, he wasn't a pro. In my young opinion, true pros understand that their most important task is to bring value to the team, everyday. From the weight room, to the practice floor, to games, to the locker room, and even to what you put in your body and what you do at night-- in order to be a pro you must first understand your role within the team, and then master it. The only true way to master anything is by perfect repetition-- work!
"Hey Rookie, take care of your family like a pro."
Living in a seemingly new world alone has catalyzed my maturation as a man. An entirely new perspective on life is beginning to be forged within my mind. Life seems a lot simpler in my being here. My focus is on what matters most, and to me, that's family. As a man my first priority is always taking care of my family. Not because they expect me to, but because they have and will always take care of me. Taking care of my family also means taking care of me. I have to ensure that I'm handling my business on all ends first to allow myself to be in a position to help others. This involves decision making. At the end of the day I have to make professional decisions. Each choice I make must be decisive and have my best interest at the forefront. Besides, I have to continue to be the young man my family birthed and raised, I represent them as much as I represent myself. Along with this, a professional man understands the importance and uniqueness of presence. Although thousands of miles away from my closest relatives, distance is no match for the presence of family. Love truly knows no boundaries. This loving presence includes supporting my family financially, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, even while being on the other side other side of the world.
My journey is still in its infancy but I'm truly embracing the life of being a professional. Yea, I'm a rookie but rooks are pros too, right? Besides, being a pro has nothing to do with age, occupation, or salary. It's a state of mind. Being a pro is all about the professionalism of the little things. Being a pro sounds cliché but the truth of it its testament is plain and simple. In order to be a pro and stay a pro, you must be professional in everything you do. Luckily for me, I've learned this sooner rather than later.
"Hey Rookie, you're a pro now."