Baby steps to giant strides

So, I've read the most recent chapter (the translated one, to be more precise) of the Sports Manga "Baby Steps" by Kachiki, Hikaru (Story & Art). The series is about Eichirou Maruo, an A-grade student, tries to play tennis, and eventually gets serious about it, even aiming to become a pro. His unusual play-style of 'control' stems from his habit of note-taking (coining the nickname "notebook-kun") about the opponents that he faces, paired with his exceptional eyesight and wit. With those in his arsenal, he hopes to go pro ... but if he fails, he reverts back to his normal, boring, school-life, as promised.

*ehem* so anyways, the recent chapter was about his return to Japan from his one-week study at American-style tennis. Ei-chan (that's how he's called) feels like he graduated from a rookie to a serious player (he did play with pros there). While on the plane home, he takes a peek on his notes only to find out that his new friends had doodled their farewells on the notebook's last page. What really caught his eye, though was Alex's note: "From Baby steps to giant strides".

Where am I going with this? Well, it's march, and from where I'm from, that means its graduation season. Kindergarten, elementary, high school and college graduations, you name it. It's the season where your "baby steps" get recognized, and gives you that feel of success, especially when you put all your effort in it (recognition day, anyone?).

But yeah, it's a step. One step gets you closer to achieving your dream (just maybe), and even when we were babies, one successful step means we're closer to standing up and walking by ourselves without support from our loving parent(s). But of course, we have to watch where we're going, or you're gonna trip and fall. And when we do, it's important to remember that failure is not about falling down, but refusing to get up.

Well, enough rambling from me. I'm just congratulating the graduates (and those who are going to graduate any time soon). May that step lead to you run to your goal.





I'm not gonna graduate yet though... It's still half a year for some folks :D