When I Was Younger, I Was Wild with Passion
From a young age, my passions were vast, curious, and sometimes even dangerous. I had a restless drive to consume information, and I became fascinated with the arts, music, and the great outdoors. Yet, it wasn’t only about exploration; it was about accumulation. I loved images, especially the ones found in magazines. As a kid, I spent hours at the library flipping through pages, immersing myself in everything from mechanics and nature to the interiors of Better Homes and Gardens. Eventually, I found a way to have all these magazines sent right to my door. No checks and balances were holding me back. I’d mail subscription cards, and soon, our mail carrier brought stacks of new magazines daily. I also did this with records and cassette tapes! I swear Columbia House was my on-demand music provider/my own streaming service before it’s time. The world, I believed, was there for the taking.
A Hustler’s Spirit
This “wild with passion” spirit fueled my entrepreneurial side too. By fifth grade, I’d already figured out how to make money from my insights and connections. I discovered the rush of demand when I learned how cabbage patch dolls could be upsold just before the holidays. I’d buy them at one price and resell them at a higher one. I did the same with Mason shoes, going door-to-door to sell with a catalog in hand and a paper diagram to measure customers’ feet. I would tape Mason shoe ads around my neighborhood, turning bus stops into miniature billboards. And I didn’t stop there—during our fifth-grade chocolate rabbit giveaway, I stuffed the raffle bowl with 25 slips bearing my name. My classmates were outnumbered, and I won. Twice. Mrs. Zinman, my teacher, wasn’t pleased. I was wild with passion, alright, but I also learned that not everyone appreciated my “hustler” approach.
Pushback and Rebellion
With each daring move, I faced resistance. Selling door-to-door as a kid didn’t always earn me the most positive reactions. Rejections were common, but I had guidance from people like Tommy Hopkins, a master in the art of selling. I absorbed his wisdom, learning that every “no” was a step closer to a “yes.” When my cabbage patch operation made waves in the local newspaper, I saw that my boldness could be both a gift and a challenge. And, of course, after I won those chocolate rabbits, Mrs. Zinman assigned me cleaning tasks, taking me away from gym class—a punishment I endured but found ways to retaliate. I discovered she’d leave her classroom unattended during lunch, and one day, I took a small amount from an unlocked drawer, a rebellious response to my perceived injustice.
Moments That Shaped Me
These early experiences sharpened my boldness and taught me what boundaries I could push. Growing up in Mount Vernon, New York, I felt like a modern-day Huckleberry Finn. I took cues from characters like Dennis the Menace and The Little Rascals, who inspired my approach to life. When my family moved to New Rochelle, I realized it was time to “level up.” My antics wouldn’t work in my new surroundings. I had to “straighten up and fly right.” My wild passion became more refined, but it never fully left me.
Friendships and Loneliness
While my escapades might sound like I was surrounded by friends, I was often a solitary figure. I didn’t have a wide social circle or even a girlfriend, despite my interest. My focus was elsewhere—consumed by the thrill of each new idea and pursuit. My world was more about ambition than companionship, though I did have a handful of close friends. I was nerdy, wayward, and a bit of a loner, probably needing my father’s guidance—or sometimes his leather belt—more than I knew.
Mentorship and Redirection
Eventually, my parents noticed my wayward path and enrolled me in baseball. That sport saved me, offering me focus and discipline. If I wasn’t playing baseball, I was drawing, writing, or escaping into the music and comic books I loved. I also built clubhouses in our backyard trees. These structured activities kept me grounded, and I’m grateful for the boundaries they set.
Advice for Today’s Passionate Youth
To anyone young and brimming with passion today, I’d say: Find a mentor or big brother. A guide can help you navigate your path with purpose. Mentorship may seem like something kids wouldn’t want, but pairing it with their interests—be it music, cooking, or cars—could make a world of difference.
Moments I Remember and Lessons Learned
One of my most haunting memories from those years involves an incident that nearly led to disaster. There was a time when I became fixated on fire, even trying to light a random house on fire with kerosene. Thankfully, the fire department intervened before any real harm could be done. My father took me to see a burnt-down home, describing the devastation it had caused the family. His approach left a lasting impression, and I never again entertained such a dangerous impulse.
Looking back, I’m grateful that my passions didn’t lead to irreversible harm. I’m sorry for any actions that may have threatened others’ peace, and I understand now the impact of my choices. Those wild passions were part of my journey, shaping me, guiding me, and, ultimately, teaching me about limits and accountability. I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
