just shut up and run

One day during my sophomore year, I learned a very valuable lesson about life. It came at a stage where my newly-acquired “sophomore swagger” was on full display, and I can imagine I was quite the burden to all around me. We had just left the school to go on a run, and I, always on a quest for useless knowledge, asked the typical question: “Where are we going?” Now, if present-day Tom were to be pestered by fifteen year-old Tom, I’m sure my response would be along the lines of “shut up and run”. However, Jeff Sousa, my captain at the time, responded, “It’s not about the final destination, but about the journey”. Of course, I didn’t fully appreciate these words at the time; after all, I knew we’d stop running eventually.

Standing here now, three years after that fateful day, and four years after I first laced up my sneakers to run for Dighton-Rehoboth, I finally realize the true meaning of that statement. Often times, we get caught up in looking toward what good, and bad the future may bring, and miss out on the present. I’ll be the first to admit t hat I’ve had many races where each step had me counting down the meters until I could collapse on the ground on the infield, knowing that my job for the day was done (well, at least on those days where Mr. Pease wasn’t feeling too sadistic; there’s nothing quite like the two mile-mile double). However, standing here now, there are no more meters no run, no more laps to be miscounted at Voc, and no more handoffs left for me to pray I don’t drop the baton.

What I can say is that this has been an incredible ride. I think I speak for all of us when I say that I never imagined myself at this point, getting food first at the banquet, being recognized last by the coaches, and taking one last look at this school that’s been our home for the last four years. Thank you parents, coaches, and friends, for making these four years the best four years of my life. And always remember: if you ever find yourself wondering where you’re going, or how you’re getting there, just shut up and run. Thank you.