I was thinking about my teenage years today with a bit of nostalgia. I was a skinny competitive golfer who played for the national junior Brazilian team, won multiple open junior tournaments, was ranked #1 in the junior state ranking at #2 in the state amateur ranking in a few occasions, and finished the top #5 in a variety of open amateur golf tournaments in the circuit nationwide. Not bad for a 17-year-old kid.

Reflecting back, I seriously practiced competitive golf for about 7 years. When I turned 18, golf kind of died because, unlike golf here in the USA, there was no league or future in golf in Brazil, which is still a reality today. I became a certified Master Golf Teaching Pro in 2008 and served as Head Golf Pro, but I wasn’t a competitive golfer anymore. I was a teacher.

Like in any sport or in life, dominance is rarely singular. I had a direct junior competitor, although he wasn’t a competitor until we were 15. I still remember the first time he won a competition when I took second and was still inferior in technique and value. We represented the country together as teammates when we were both 17.

At 19, he left the country to play overseas, and I stayed in Brazil. In his early twenties, he left Brazil to work in Europe. In my mid 20’s, I came to the USA to study without a visa. He kept playing golf. I dedicated my life to books. Thirty years later, I’m a professor who competes in media. He is a banker who has kept playing golf competitively. He won two impressive competitions — Best Mid-Amateur golfer in Europe and Best Senior Amateur also in Europe. I won the Communicator Awards Platinum and the Silver Telly. He hold golf awards. I hold media ones because we focused our efforts when many give up. I lost the battle against him in golf because he kept going and I decided to deviate my path into something different.

“So few succeed because so many give up” is true. Andrew Bustamante, also known as “The Everyday Spy,” is right.

I just finished teaching a class on Social Media Applications. Student course reflections were not always like those listed below. What kids say after taking my courses humbles me, actually. Focus works. The more we focus, the better we get.

MCOM 220 Comments — Social Media Applications, Summer 2024

“I want to start off by saying that I have never taken a Mass communication class, and this was my first one, although it wasn’t in person. I really enjoyed it. I wish I had taken some of these classes during my time at Claflin. But this class has taught me that branding is everything. You must brand yourself and the content that you post because you never know who your account is going to reach and what people will gain from it.” Tyshon Grant — 

“One of the significant experiences this semester involved creating and managing social media posts for a candidate. This project allowed me to think strategically in crafting messages related to the candidate’s target audience. Analyzing and understanding the candidate’s platform taught me how to create content that engages supporters. This assignment helped me learn how to strategize a campaign that aligns with my original goal.” Camryn Laurie —

“This semester, my coursework has been instrumental in advancing my career in social media applications. Through hands-on experiences, I have gained invaluable insights and skills that are crucial in today’s digital landscape. Creating Posts for a Candidate: One of the key assignments involved creating social media posts for a political candidate. This experience taught me the importance of tailored messaging, audience targeting, and maintaining brand consistency across platforms. By understanding the candidate’s voice and campaign goals, I honed my ability to craft compelling content that resonates with specific audiences.” Antwan Cummings —

“The course introduced me to essential tools like Buffer and highlighted the role of AI and internet resources in social media management. Learning how to leverage these tools not only streamlined my workflow but also enabled me to implement strategies. The assignment on strategizing campaigns was particularly enlightening as it challenged me to brainstorm creative ideas for feed content that not only captured attention but also fostered meaningful engagement and used the concept of “brand-voice. This skill set has proven invaluable in making effective social media strategies that resonate with clients and their audiences alike.” Rebekah Bishop —

“I did not know a lot about social media platforms other than the ones that I use every day for socializing.  I now look at social media from a different perspective.  I have learned the importance of branding.  This class has made me more creative in knowing how to develop content.  I stepped outside of my comfort zone in the class, but I enjoyed it.” Anthony Mack  —

In conclusion, our paths in life often diverge, shaped by our choices and circumstances. While my journey led me away from competitive golf and into academia and media, my early rival continued his pursuit of golf excellence. Our stories are testaments to the power of focus and perseverance. Success comes to those who maintain their dedication, regardless of their chosen field.