“It may take them one year. It may take you 15 years. Take your time!” – J.M.B.
The words above have stayed with me for more than twenty years and they still ring true for me today. A veteran reporter at my first full-time job told me this. I didn’t accept his words – at first. At the time, I was a couple of years out of college, and in my early 20’s, and I wanted to move up the ranks, in the broadcast television industry, like everyone else. Moving up the ranks fast, and getting a job in a bigger television market, like Houston, Detroit, Chicago or Atlanta was – I thought – my next best future move. I was really trying to figure out my career path – on my own. New (but not green) to the news producer game, I had an observant eye, and keen ears. I watched several young co-workers get promoted and move on to jobs in larger broadcast news markets with far less experience than me. The disbelief, truth and frustration caused me to question what I really wanted to do. I knew I loved communications whether it be broadcast radio, TV, film, print journalism, or public relations. I earned so much experience, and to work behind the scenes editing, interviewing, and forming information into a story before everyone else finds out is so exciting.
It’s now decades later, and I would-have-never-been-able-to-guess or able to make up a story about the journey I’ve been on … I’ve learned so many things inspired by my news producer days. I’ve learned to allow more of what I want in life, that writing is my passion, the simple things are much more important when shared with those I love and that we are all human beings trying to find our way to express our love and happiness. Finally, I learned that one moment doesn’t determine who a person really is… We are all human.
When people speak, – especially those who have been part-way down the road we are traveling – listen! Sometimes we might not be ready to hear it, but it’ll sink in. Those messages may come from the house keeping lady at a hotel, a teacher, pastor, a hobo on the street, the check-out lady at the grocery store or in my case a wise co-worker.
As for the wise words from my former co-worker I finally got the chance to tell him how his important words stayed with me all these years. Words are powerful and I’m glad I continue to hear his positive message.
Thank you!
Do you know anyone who told you wise words? How did the message affect you? What made you remember what they said?
Copyright © 2018 by Allura Eshmun