i met Shunsuke-kun a couple years ago. he was a very eager young boy that was chasing his dreams. he would ask me many questions about so many different things. he had passion, energy, and motivation which was very impressive… anyway, he booked a few days of my Boot Camp and the rest is history…
i still remember this day clearly when we were eating lunch. i asked Shunsuke-kun what his dreams were. he said his dream is to live in Hawaii and just surf everyday. i told him “wait, slow down!” haha… i explained that there are steps to make every dream come true. i explained to him how i did it and how he should do it. he was listening to everything i said and took it very seriously.
so yesterday i get a text and these photos from Shunsuke-kun. it went like this: aloha kirby-san, as you told me, i’ll graduate from college this year. and next year, i’ll go to Hawaii to study abroad! i’m saving money now. my life was influenced by you. thank you so much. right now, i’m on my way to my dream!”
i remember teaching this kid how to keep calm. how to slow down and enjoy the ride. his surfing improved 100% and now he’s ripping like a pro!
then he wrote: “i’ve been practicing foiling in japan. it was very difficult but i’m flying recently! i can’t stop my excitement! i’m enjoying both surfing and foiling you taught me.”
OMG! he’s flying!!! i’m not an emotional person, but when i see my students achieve their dreams, i get emotional. i always wanted to be a teacher and mentor to the youth. there were just a couple people in my life that guided me to where i am today, so if i can do the same for others, my dream has come true too.
hey Shunsuke-kun, thank you for the update in your life. i knew you could do it!!! it’s crazy how you achieved your dreams in such a short time. that means you can do anything in life you strive for. that’s an amazing thing. i’m really proud of you, and i’m sure your Dad is really proud of you too. congratulations for completing college! remember i told you once you can do that, you can do anything. my Grandpa told me that, and i believed him. now believe in yourself, keep working hard, studying hard, and let’s fly on the foil when you come to Hawaii! i’m so stoked for you!!!
