David and Goliath

What is the step in your life that really pushes you over the hump and helps you accomplish your dreams? Many business tycoons and politicians may say college, specifically their links to the elite private institutions, stemming all the way back into grade school perhaps. But how much does all of that really matter?

In a blog from one of my classmates, I read that, Phillips Academy, a private grade school in New Hampshire has stemmed "48 senators, governors, and representatives in its time" and it boasts a 30% ivy league yield rate. Institutions like this are only available to certain people, with tuition climbing well above $40,000 for each year.

Does enrollment in one of these private institutions guarantee success? Or, better yet, is it the key to success? Many think it holds an integral influence the success of a person, contrary to the American Dream, which is that anybody can succeed regardless of the privileges they have as a child. In a recent 60 Minutes segment, Canadian journalist and best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell talked about the underdog. His recent masterpiece, "David and Goliath," illustrates  "the contrast between seemingly elite prep schools and more downscale ones in which students may be likelier to excel." His advice over the course of the segment, and the ultimate message of his book being, "ignore school ratings. Be a big fish in a small pond. Who wants to be a guppy at Harvard?"

Gladwell's book demonstrates an interesting point that many people shy away from. We all strive to go to the best universities possible so we have a better chance to succeed. But maybe the best idea is to go where you can excel, not necessarily where you may be just average. The argument he makes adds a glimmer of hope that the American Dream is still alive and well. That money doesn't necessarily lead to greater success. But self-analyzation and the ability to find an environment to thrive in does.

Drafting Diversity

Michael Sam, the former Defensive End for the Missouri Tigers, is the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL draft. Sam, whose draft stock plummeted due to lackluster performances in the NFL draft combine paired with his announcement in February, was selected in the 7th round with the 249th pick overall to the St. Louis Rams.

Whether or not the pick was out of confidence in his production on the field, or a PR stunt, will be determined late this summer, when NFL teams pick their final rosters. But regardless of the outcome, history has been made and it has been receiving national headlines. Even a statement from President Barack Obama congratulated Sam on beginning his next chapter, stating, "from the playing field to the corporate boardroom. LGBT Americans prove every day that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are."

But shouldn't the story be that the Rams are drafting a superior athletic talent rather than a token? It's undeniable that a huge step has been made to abolish intolerance. But not once since he was picked have I heard anything regarding his ability to tackle, his speed, instincts, and NFL potential. That's what draft night is all about isn't it? The next batch of stars to set foot on the gridiron and the potential upside they bring to their organization.

It seems to me that the story so far has been a gay man who happens to play football, rather than the gay football player. Private life aside, he has real potential, and everybody involved should be honored to be a part of the process. But his sexual orientation has little to do with his ability to make the most of his opportunities.