In mid-2014, the selfie was groundbreaking. It's funny to think about - but it's true. Cell phone cameras finally became high quality and there was a shift from web to mobile-based social media platforms. The timing was just right. In 2014, ABC launched a sitcom titled "Selfie" (which only lasted one season), and The Chainsmokers released a song titled "#SELFIE" ("But first, let me take a selfie"). It's safe to say, the concept of the selfie, took off.
When my highschool graduation rolled around in June 2014, I somehow got the idea in my head to take a selfie on stage with the school principal when my name was called. My principal knew me, but I wouldn't say we had much of a relationship other than speaking a few times. When my name was called, I walked up to him, used my right hand to shake his and used my left hand to take my phone out of my pocket. My camera app was already open and ready to go. Click click click, I took the selfie and the crowd laughed and roared.
By the way, not that it matters, but I've seen other people do this many times since then, and it's just overdone now. But in June 2014, it wasn't overdone; it was new. It was novel. I digress.
After all the students had graduated and filed off the stage, there was about a 30-minute period where everyone celebrated, hung out, took pictures, and prepared to go to graduation parties. Toward the end of this time period as I was getting ready to leave, my kindergarten teacher, Kathy, came up to me.
When my highschool graduation rolled around in June 2014, I somehow got the idea in my head to take a selfie on stage with the school principal when my name was called. My principal knew me, but I wouldn't say we had much of a relationship other than speaking a few times. When my name was called, I walked up to him, used my right hand to shake his and used my left hand to take my phone out of my pocket. My camera app was already open and ready to go. Click click click, I took the selfie and the crowd laughed and roared.
By the way, not that it matters, but I've seen other people do this many times since then, and it's just overdone now. But in June 2014, it wasn't overdone; it was new. It was novel. I digress.
After all the students had graduated and filed off the stage, there was about a 30-minute period where everyone celebrated, hung out, took pictures, and prepared to go to graduation parties. Toward the end of this time period as I was getting ready to leave, my kindergarten teacher, Kathy, came up to me.
Jonny I couldn't believe it when you did that - I was cheering - you were so shy when you were in my class I never could of imagined or thought you'd do something like that. And now look at you, all grown up."
I still think about this moment. She was right. The person I was 13 years prior would never be the type of person to do something like that. I surprised her, and I sure as hell would have surprised that previous version of myself. I initially thought this entire act I did was just a little joke, but I realize it was so much more. Over the years I slowly gained more confidence and got more comfortable with those around me. I grew into a better version of myself without even realizing it. This was one of the first times I recognized my own growth.
In life and particularly in my career, I want to continuously surprise myself like I surprised Kathy. No matter what it is that I'm pursuing, I want to push my limits and grow. I want to reach a point that a previous version of myself couldn't have conceived. It won't be quick - it can take 13 years. If I stay the course, I'll grow into that better version of myself without even realizing. I’ll surprise a Kathy. I’ll surprise myself.
In life and particularly in my career, I want to continuously surprise myself like I surprised Kathy. No matter what it is that I'm pursuing, I want to push my limits and grow. I want to reach a point that a previous version of myself couldn't have conceived. It won't be quick - it can take 13 years. If I stay the course, I'll grow into that better version of myself without even realizing. I’ll surprise a Kathy. I’ll surprise myself.