Trust me

I once heard a speech that was supposed to be one of those now-I-feel-able-to-fly-or-move-mountains  speeches where we all left and signed up for the Peace Corps or something.  The speaker gave a piece of advice that went something like: "If you truly want to have a rewarding career, find one in which you can change someone's life."

Now I don't know about all of that.  It struck me--at the time--as a bit self-aggrandizing to want to be the one to change another's life.  I know what you're thinking: That's right up your alley, Dalley, you egotistical bastard.  Yes, I am an egotistical bastard.  But I still don't claim to have the ability to change lives.

I've realized, since hearing that speech, that the true key to having a rewarding career--hell, a rewarding life--is to be open to being changed by others.  I have learned this through practical application: I have the privilege of working with some amazing people on a daily basis, people who continually surprise and delight me (and most of them are no more than eighteen); I can say with absolute certainty (which, for me, is rare) that I am a changed man because of my profession.

How did I run into such luck?  Make no mistake: it's luck, and I am a lucky man.  There's no providence or god looking out for my well-being; I am simply lucky as hell.  I get to go to a place where I learn each day and have the opportunity to sometimes, just maybe, teach people a little something too.

Thanks, guys.  

You changed me.  

For the better.