PURPOSE: IT CHOSE ME
“Christian,” Ms. Noy — my first-grade teacher — said, astonished with my test results in-hand in front of the classroom. “Almost a perfect score,” She continued, “Did you cheat?”
Noy’s comment shattered any confidence left in reading and writing. Now, printed words reflected inadequacy; Anxiety was my response. I avoided stories at all costs, especially publically.
At 10 years old, football and I met. It was love-at-first practice. The competitive nature, the challenge of growth and the pride of winning hooked me. The field was my sanctuary. It revealed my best and had my full devotion.
When my parents threatened to take away my safe haven because of poor grades, I improved.
My quest for athletic excellence led me to admission into Campbell Hall high school. A top private school in Southern California.
On the field, I broke records. In the classroom, I broke chains. “Christian,” Mr. Rue — my 12th grade English teacher — said astounded with my paper in hand in front of the class. “You have the potential to be a great writer.” I discovered my gift of storytelling, debating and public speaking.
His affirmation confirmed the presence I felt sharing stories, Joy. Now, excellence was my paradigm. USC personified this. We were meant to be. It happened. But, the promised land lacked promise; or so I thought.
Football was painful but the classroom was joyful. My professors sharpened my desire and ability to share stories that inspired people. Yet, my devotion remained with football.
I walked off the 2017 USC Football pro day field devastated knowing my athletic journey was finished. But, I strolled into graduation surprised, “Congratulations on graduating from the number one communication and journalism school in the world!” The graduation speakers celebrated.
I was left only with my story to tell; And did on my podcast to an international audience. The show inspired but lacked my first love, sports. My gift of storytelling and passion for sports engaged through Sports Journalism as a Master’s student in the Annenberg School of Journalism.
I ran towards sports while storytelling pursued me. I searched for purpose as an athlete and found it as a journalist. I realized sports and stories were always a couple. Now, they are just married. Holy matrimony.
I was born to share stories that breathe life through sports because I didn’t choose it, it chose me.
By Christian John Bradley
