Kennyboy Speaks To Jinnyboy

Today, I was reminded again of why I decided to venture into journalism a year ago.

I wanted to be inspired by the stories my interviewees had to tell. Real-life stories about people overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds never cease to inspire me, no matter how many times they are told.

True enough, when I sat down with Jinnyboy today, I had the "Aha" moment that usually only happens when I'm either watching Oprah or listening to a sermon at church.

Here was an ordinary guy who had a dream he believed in so much that he would stop at nothing to achieve it. Yes, sounds like a storyline straight out of a Disney movie. No, it is.

But here was someone who actually did it! It felt so surreal to be talking to someone who went all the way, ALL the way, through all that valleys low, mountains high, challenging stuff, and found the Promised Land.

I probably didn't show it but I was so inspired by the stories he shared and and the sense of sincerity he projected while he was sharing them.

There were little nuggets of information about his upbringing (In my mind, I went, "Oh you were that kid?" ... But not in a judgmental way la) and flashes of emotions which hinted at how serious he took things (I think he was candidly sharing about how he gets frustrated at people who don't get back to him on stuff.)

Of course, the whole thing got me thinking about my own hopes and dreams. Listening to his story lit a fire in me. For a moment, the impossible felt like it was within reach. I felt alive, I felt excited to be alive, like I should be.

But sometimes, I'm gripped by a sudden surge of fear, thinking how if I don't start letting my dreams set sail, they would never leave the dock.

It's not too late now, but someday it'll be.

P/s: I found out it was his birthday during the interview. Felt bad he had to spend one hour of it talking to a stranger. :S