- Napoleon Hill 

Life perpetually presents us with choices; within these offers are the comforts of ease and the struggle of challenge. There are nooks where we can retreat safely, harbored from any storm that may come our way, and open planes where the winds of change may come and blow us whichever direction it deems right. One thing we know is that without some vulnerability it is difficult for us to grow. This week’s winner of the Marshall Nordic Bell is someone who is smart about the decisions he makes and is continually willing to place himself in a challenging position for the sake of growth. This past week in Ely, he willingly skied up to the start line of the varsity race, although it was his first race of the season and he was likely much younger than the other participants. He could have easily requested to race in a different slot, or skied casually so as to have an excuse for whatever time the clock registered. Instead, this skier gave the race his all from start to finish. And when he was done, he took only a few minutes to recover physically and emotionally for a rigorous race, and was back outside to cheer on his teammates. Not only does this week’s recipient welcome a challenge, but he inspires his teammates to do the same. 

In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Hogwarts Head Master, Albus Dumbledore, shares similar wisdom with Harry, “Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry. We must now make the choice between what is right and what is easy.” In the classroom, on the race course, and with his friends and family, we perpetually see Josef opt for what is right over what is easy. And he, and all of us, are the better for it!  

 Thank you for ringing loudly enough for all of us to hear you, Josef! Ring on!