On Being Cheered and Cheering

February 08,2018

I came across an email today that was sent to me on Thursday, April 5, 2001. It was from a dear friend and concluded, “YOU CAN DO IT, CHAMP!”. From what I can tell, it appears I was about a day away from handing in my undergraduate thesis.

Yesterday, another long-time and cherished friend brought to my attention a heart-warming news article written by sports columnist, Dave Feschuk. The article is about a group of Koreans who are volunteering at the Olympics to cheer for athletes from other countries—to cheer for everyone. Near the end of the article, the group’s founder, Moon, is quoted as saying, “In the cold weather, being cheered is a very good thing. It makes you happy” (The Star, Wednesday, February 7, 2018). (Importantly, and for a wider context, Moon is also quoted as saying, “We’re trying to promote a world where there is no war”.)

I have been so lucky to be cheered. And I wish to also offer this.

If you are reading this, imagine that right this very moment, you are being cheered on—accepted, celebrated, believed in. Now, know that it is real. I am cheering.

If you are reading this, know that I am cheering for you.