Inspiration is everywhere and recently I got a big dose from Christian Gonzales, one of our 8th graders. You may have seen Christian on the front page of the papers, he recently won the GEAR UP 8th Grade Career Showcase Competition in Tri-Cities where he shared his passion and determination for a career in neurosurgery.
After that kind of an award I was able to pick his brain about a few things behind the scenes. (pun intended!)
“I was confident in my process,” Christian told me over the conference room table. “Visualization, repetition and confidence are what drives me.” He said when I asked what was pushing him to prepare for this competition. The truth is, my brief 30 minutes or so with Christian left me with enough inspirational one-liners to create a monthly calendar! Here are a few of my favorites – “Slow down, be patient with the process of success”, “Success comes in small steps”, “Value the time you have alone”, “Put yourself where you want to be”, and “Try to find your purpose and go for it!” Seriously this young man had me writing quickly to keep up with his youthful, overflowing wisdom.
Inspired by his Grandma’s battle with multiple myeloma and her passing in 2018, Christian is visualizing the path forward into a career of neurosurgery. Her illness progressed quickly. After a surgery to remove a tumor on her voice box, Christian remembers Grandma signaling yes and no with her pointer finger bending once for “Yes”, twice for “No,” and 3 times for “I love you.” “I think she would be proud of what I’ve done. She would appreciate the comeback.”
Christian went on to share how he had lost focus and lost his way after the loss of his Grandma. His grades suffered and the drive and determination that he shared with me during our visit was nowhere to be found. He talked about reading the book “Gifted Hands” by Dr. Ben Carson, a famous neurosurgeon, who also experienced his own derailment and comeback.
I asked Christian if he had a backup plan to neurosurgery and his answer was swift and intentional – a PHD in philosophy or literature, Greek philosophy to be exact. He would love to spend an afternoon talking to Socrates about how he stood up to authority and has a list of questions at the ready to challenge the philosopher on the origins of his belief.
Christian and I discussed the finer points of public perception and I inquired what he wanted people to know about him, who he really is. “I value the support of friends in my class. I love my family. I rely on my faith. I want my family to know that I will keep making them proud and I want everyone to know that I’m coming for more.”
Determination, wisdom and unwavering perseverance were words left on the conference room table. Words I have pondered since our visit. Words that accurately describe this young man. If Grandma were in the room with us as we chatted, 3 bends of her pointer finger would tell us all how she feels about him.
I have no doubt that this comeback kid truly is coming for more. I would like to sit down with him in 20 years and get another lifetime’s dose of inspiration.
Good job Christian! We are proud of you and we will be watching as you visualize paths ahead. Thank you for walking among us and inspiring us!