We all dream for big things in our life. For some that’s to be rich and famous. For others it may be being able to do the things we love. Maybe you want to be able to help as many people as you can? And yet others may just want a quiet lifestyle with a good job and easy living. No answer is right or wrong.
In 2019, I got to be a part of a variety show in Springfield. It was a fundraiser for the band, vocal, and music groups at Bon Homme High School. It was amazing to me the amount of talent that was in the show. Singing, instruments, comedy, and dance all being on showcase. And I couldn’t help think to myself, “What if one of these kids is the next big thing?” What if one of them went the extra mile to make themselves the next great singer? What if one of them pushed the extra distance to be the next great linebacker? Or maybe the next artist the world has been waiting to see. Maybe one of them is the next doctor to make a huge breakthrough in cancer? Is it possible?
In an age of shows such as American Idol, The Voice, and America’s Got Talent there is an element of illusion that there is a shortcut to greatness. But all people start at the bottom and work up. The shortcuts to doing something great really don’t exist. As much as we try to search for them.
So could the next key to humanity, art, or science come from South Dakota? To answer the question, I need to back up and ask some other questions. First, has it happened before? Are the pieces in place? Is there enough drive and determination? Just to name a few things that come to mind.
But has it happened before? Of course it has. People like Tom Brokaw, Terry Redlin, Bob Barker, January Jones, Russell Means, Brock Lesnar or Adam Vinatieri have all lived in South Dakota. All of these people have made marks in history. And this is a very short list that just brings up TV personalities and sports stars. T. Denny Sanford, Jeff Broin, Charles D. Gemar and John Mortvedt would also have to be added. There are some truly great people from South Dakota. So why would it be unheard of for history to repeat itself?
It is likely that there will be more people from South Dakota that do big things in the future. Whether it’s science, arts, sports, business, or TV. The next “Big Thing” could be right around the next corner. With the right determination, it could be you. And why not? After all, greatness comes from the inside. Right?
One of the things that has set South Dakota apart for a long time, is work ethic. We work very hard for the things we do. From farmers to factory workers to entrepreneurs. This combined with a little bit of pride. And a lot of care for what they do. This is a combination to be successful.
And you would have to overlook the fact of South Dakotan’s caring for one another, and helping each other out. As well as a lot of support from people in the communities, groups and organizations. It’s not hard to see how people could become great.
A lot people think there is an element of luck involved. But a lot of South Dakotan’s use drive over luck. If you’ve ever met a determined farmer, you know what I mean. Which brings me to my last point.
The determination. One thing that all these people have had in mind is a will to make things happen. Setting their mind to something and not giving up until it does.
We all have hopes. We all have dreams. The ability to reach out to those dreams and make them happen falls on us.
“Your dream was given to you. If someone else can’t see it for you, that’s fine, it was given to you and not them. It’s your dream. Hold it. Nourish it. Cultivate it!” – Les Brown
South Dakotan’s have a long history of greatness. And in a year where life isn’t always kind. Those dreams can’t be taken away. It would be very easy to pass off the things you want as unobtainable. We could all come up with a laundry list of things that stand in our way. No one would fault us. After all, the cards may be stacked against you. But you’ll never know, if you never try.
With the hope of a new year coming in soon. What are the things you want? What would you love to see? What would you love to do? The fact is, the South Dakota dream is in you. And only you. And it’s what makes South Dakota great. Will you share it and make it happen? Or will it stay inside of you?
Until next time.
Wayne B