Showing posts with label FSU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label FSU. Show all posts

That Night When I Ducked To Orlando

Posted: Friday, April 4, 2014 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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They bowled a bouncer, we ducked well, it was too high for the keeper to catch and it went for four which carved a path for us to Pasadena...

I do most things last minute. I am extremely impromptu. I hardly plan. But I manage my time very, very well and somehow, things just pan out perfectly. Read what I have written in the previous sentence again and if you know me, you would know that's how I roll. Also, add to this the fact that I rely on miracles every time and yes, they do happen every time. Not the best and definitely not the safest way to do things, but without a shadow of a doubt, it is the most adventurous.

I had worked on the soccer and performance analysis tool, Prozone, for over two years and they were coming over from England to Chicago, IL to conduct a certification course. I didn't know it was happening until a week ago before the workshop when I saw their posting on twitter. So, I had to book the tickets ASAP, which I did, and get ready to work on the Miami game, who were coming into town to play us at the Doak Campbell Stadium. Having already cruised past Clemson two weeks ago at Death Valley 51-14, one more win would have meant that we were gunning big time for the top two spot.           

           

It was a great night at Doak and our players were incredible as we beat the Canes 41-14. It was a great team performance and two phrases that reverberated around the stadium were 'One Team, One Heartbeat...Florida State Seminoles' and 'We Want Bama!' Alabama Crimson Tide were the #1 ranked team and regarded as one to beat.

Later that weekend, we got to know that we had jumped to the #2 national ranking, but Oregon Ducks, who were #3 had a game in hand, which if they had won, would eclipse us as the #2 college team in America. The game was to be played on Thursday, November 7, 2013, the day before I was supposed to fly out to Chicago from Orlando.

                                  

I repeat, "I do most things last minute. I am extremely impromptu. I hardly plan. But I manage my time very, very well and somehow, things just pan out perfectly. And I do rely on miracles." I knew I was catching a flight from Orlando a week ago and I should have booked my bus tickets from Tallahassee to Orlando when I booked my flight tickets, but I did not. I thought to myself, "The flight leaves at 6 AM Friday morning, so, I can technically still leave Thursday evening and get to Orlando airport the same night. Then, stay there for about seven hours and then, board my plane." In theory, this would have worked out just fine as the Greyhound buses ran throughout the day and always had free seats. Therefore, like most students do, I waited until Wednesday night for ride/carpool and when I didn't one, I started looking out for bus tickets.

Again, 'in theory', my plan was great, but practically it was messed up because some times even the most improbable things happen. For some reason, every single bus to Orlando was booked for Thursday. It was very, very strange. Even the Red Coach buses were full. It was weird and seeing no vacancy did knock the stuffing out of me. I was like, "How can that happen?!"

Thursday morning was crazy. I went to the travel offices, surfed through every single website that sold tickets (bus tickets, train tickets, flight tickets) and rented out cars, but either I didn't get the ticket or it was way too expensive. So, I was left with only one, and often the worst, option: Craigslist. I hit up everyone on Craigslist who had posted an advertisement, but received no help. I had lost hope but knew the value of the Prozone certification and was ready to pay close to $400 for a flight ticket from Tallahassee to Orlando, when a friend of mine informed me about a friend of his diving down to Orlando in two hours from the time then.

I couldn't believe that it was happening. It was absolutely astonishing. My friend drove me home and as I had already packed, I picked up my luggage and was set to go. The girl who drove me to Orlando, she was a part of the famous FSU marching band and on our way to Orlando, all we did was sing the 'Fight Song' and did the warchant and the chop multiple times while listening to the commentary of the Oregon-Stanford game. Stanford beat Oregon, which meant that we stayed second and now, were firm favourites to go to Pasadena to play for the national championship.

                                  

What a celebration that was. I worked for the the FSU Football team and she played in the marching band, so, technically, we both were a part of the team. Therefore, our celebrations were pretty extraordinary. We celebrated at the gas station where we had stopped. Doing the warchant extremely loud. Showing off the chop, we let everyone knew that we were a part of the Nole nation. And yes, we did yell, "WE WANT BAMA'" on the highway.

It was absolutely perfect. I couldn't have imagined it any better. She even dropped me off to the airport at the US Airways terminal on the Orlando airport. You get what I mean by relying on miracles?

It was like, it had all happened for a reason. How many times out of a million, you wouldn't expect me to get a bus ticket? I mean, even right now that I am checking, there is space in the bus which leaves in 5 minutes. Pretty strange, isn't it? Especially, because it was a Thursday and not even a weekend. As they say, everything happens for a reason. I don't know what reason was behind all this happening, but it certainly made the trip to Orlando very, very adventurous.

I soon got certified as a performance analyst through Prozone and we ended up playing Auburn for the national title on January 6, 2014, whom we beat to be crowned the collegiate football champions of America in a nerve-wrecking game. It was a great season, with top-notch players and a wonderful staff, who work for whom I consider to be the best head coach in college football, Coach Fisher.

                             

Maybe it was careless and risky on my part, but it was an awesome experience. If you read my blogposts, you will learn of my journey from India to FSU Football, and one thing that's constant is the presence of miracles throughout my stories. Don't be stupid, plan and plan well, but if it doesn't go your way, believe and know that miracles happen. As the latest Nike commercial reads, "Risk Everything!"

I don't believe in miracles, I rely on them :)

- Kratik Malhotra

The Miracle Diary #1: When A Superstar's Advice Pointed Me In The Right Direction

Posted: Sunday, February 9, 2014 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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 “A brown cow, eating green grass and giving white milk…miracle!” – Khurshed Batliwala

 To give you a snapshot: In July 2009, I had the privilege of meeting the famous Indian actor, Jackie Shroff, who – after hearing me say that I was a journalist along with being an engineering student – advised me to go in for a degree in sport management (SPM) instead of pursuing a course in sports journalism. Many of you, who know me from my days of engineering, have heard this story at least once; the others, whom I have had an opportunity of knowing in the past eight  years, not so much.

It had barely been a month since I had taken my third-year electronics engineering exams from the University of Pune, and – as a hobby – had started interning as a sports journalist with one of the most selling national newspapers in India, the Indian Express. That – in itself – was a miracle but let’s leave that story for another time.
In mid-July, for the newspaper published in ten cities across India, I was supposed to cover a press conference for the launch of the O Hotel and their golf course near Hinjewadi, Pune. It was supposed to be held at 4pm in an area that I often referred to as the ‘outer part of the outskirts’ of the city. To our benefit, the organizers had made pretty-decent arrangements for the press. We were told to be at the Patrakar Bhawan in Sadashiv Peth, Pune an hour before the conference and were to get picked up by the O Hotel bus which would have driven us to the venue of the conference.

 A cribby-grumpy me – in the unwavering Pune heat – pulled myself to the auditorium located in the center of the city riding my good ole’ 1996 Kinetic Honda and got onto the bus. It was air-conditioned, so, t'was a big thumps-up for starters – yes, America, we have buses with no A/C and that’s cool; it’s an experience in its own! In fact, try traveling to Kolhapur in an ST and you’ll forever be grateful for the cushion on the seats.

 Once we reached the venue, we were taken outside to view the golf course and enjoy an occasional swing. Focused on writing my story and heading back, I was ‘in-the-zone’ – ready to get done with business – when I sensed enthusiasm amongst fellow journalists. Confused and a little-hungry, I wore a grin – contemplating viewing of the golf course as the reason for their excitement. I mean, come on, I was 21, a little stupid and I did have a tad-bit of an attitude. As I was about to take my seat, someone beside me, said, “Look, look,” and when I turned around, it was as though time froze because there stood Jackie Shroff.

 Growing up, I had watched him in many movies but let’s be true, I wasn’t a die-hard fan. I thought he was a great actor and his interviews on TV were really-funny, but by no means, he was a heartthrob of my generation. However, I had never met a famous actor, and there he was, dressed in black from head to toe, Jackie Shroff. Containing my excitement; actually, I did not contain my excitement and called my Mum to tell her that Jackie Shroff was standing behind me!

 Image result for jackie shroff hat

It took me couple of minutes to calm myself down as I told myself to be professional and not freak out. I mean he was right there and I wanted to ask him a couple of questions but you know me, I was very chicken about it. To be honest, I didn’t know if my questions would be controversial; I didn't even know how to approach him and talk to him. Trust me when I say this, it seemed more difficult that asking out a 10. A few minutes later, he was invited up on stage, or the carpet instead, to share a few words and it seemed like he spoke from his heart and had fun with the audience. After he got done, we were told that it was time for lunch. I mean, dude, I was hungry but quotes were more-important, so, there I was, standing behind the rest of the journalists trying desperately hard to hear what Jagga (quoting IMDb here) was saying. He soon finished speaking and said, “Good?”, and looked straight at me.

 My heart was pounding faster than a cocker spaniel floating over the ground chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind but I had a wide smile on your face; I mean, I was happy. In fact, I was very, very happy and excited, and in love with what I was doing and it was better than brilliant to be chasing a dream. So, I smiled and smiled, and smiled and smiled more. I was wishing for him to say bhidu but I would settle for what he said next ;P.

 He was like, “Aur young man, kahan se?” Which translates two, “Young man, where are you from?” I smiled and as confident as I have ever been, replied, “Sir, Indian Express.”

 He laughed and asked, “You only do this or do you do something other than this too?”

 And here was a 21-year-old me, who looked 16, thinking to myself ‘how does he know?’ I answered, “I am an engineering student as well and have just given my third-year final exams.”

 Boss-man questioned, “Tu (You) kya (what) engineering, journalism…?” I gleefully replied, “Sir, but this is what I want to do in life. I am going to England to do a degree in sports journalism from the University of Central Lancashire as well.”

 You know, I believe in God, His grace and destiny, and I wonder how He makes things happen but somehow, He does. I mean what were the chances that Jackie Shroff would tell me, “ Jounalism accha field hai, par tu sports management mein degree kar. It’s an upcoming field and ‘maal’ bhi jyada hai.” Which translates to ‘Journalism is a great but you go ahead and do a course in sports management; it is an upcoming field and has big money’. And I thought to myself, “Maybe I should look into it; it’s Jackie Shroff telling me after all.”

 I mean what are the odds? Yes, it’s Jackie Shroff but it is Jackie Shroff! I mean, you know what I mean.

 I went home, researched SPM programs all around the world and it changed my life! I somehow got into the #1 SPM program in the United States of America (yes, I didn’t go to England), got my tuition waived, taught yoga and meditation and now, I am doing what I absolutely love doing – analyzing and helping manage the performance of the athletes of one of the best teams in the country. To be honest, I wouldn’t be doing anything else in my life at this point.

 Psshhh. Let’s get back to where we were. It’s an unspoken rule in journalism that as a journalist one must never ask for the autographs of or request pictures with the celebrities who they meet or interview – it was deemed ‘unprofessional’. I managed to followed the rule each and every time but come on, mate, I had Jackie Shroff in front of me and he was so cool, chilled and down-to-earth giving me valuable advice…I had to! And so I did – to the surprise of everyone else, I asked the man for his signature.

 He signed the O-Hotel-pad with his name and wrote, “Kratik, be determined and not disappointed.” I looked at him and remarked, “Sir, aapne likh diya na, toh ab done” (Translating to ‘Your wish is my command’; well, close). He retorted, “Haan, it’s very important. Tujhe malum hai sabse zyada mehnat kaun karta hai? Jo road pe thela chalata hai (Translating to ‘Do you know who puts in the most effort? The man who pushes the cart on the street) but how much does he make? That’s because he is not consistent. So, be determined: have the biggest dreams possible and never be disappointed: stick with your dreams and work towards them to be what you want to be.”

 Dude, I have seen many Jackie Shroff interviews and most of his movies but come on, what would have been the probability that he would have ever said this? And that too, to me? Me?

 I was 21 and it was a decision that shaped my life and helped me gain a direction that I so desperately needed. It was an advice and the best minute-long philosophical, motivational and spiritual pep-talk that I have ever received.

 Almost two-and-a half years later, from that day, I left for the United States to do a masters’ program in Sport Management from the Florida State University and for me, both personally and professionally, the program did wonders. I not only met some amazing people but also, learned the shit out of sports data and analytics. The program helped me get amazing internships, which in-turn helped in reaching where I am today.

 Image may contain: 1 person 

 I am extremely grateful to Mr. Shroff for that magical dialogue – I owe so much to you, boss, and in me, you have a life-long fan. Just for whom I met, what was said. how everything happened and the way it has all panned out…I was a miracle.

“I don’t believe in miracles, I rely on them.”

Love,
Kratik Malhotra

The Florida State University: The Impossible Dream #GraduationSpecial

Posted: Saturday, August 3, 2013 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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“Never tell a young person that anything cannot be done. God may have been waiting centuries for someone ignorant enough of the impossible to do that very thing.” - G. M. Trevelyan



I still remember getting onto the plane in Paris, boarding a flight to Cincinnati to get to the United States, having a heart filled with enthusiasm, an adrenalin gushing through the veins and a smile sparkling with chime written all over my face. As I left home, I described it as a voyage, and one that was to be my greatest adventure and the toughest challenge that I ever would see. I had two choices right in front of me. Either I could have done things that most do - concentrate on my ‘primary’ objective, or I could have done stuff that people had written me off for. Being me: Naïve but natural, dreamer but determined, silly but happy, perpetually confused but peculiarly peaceful, and hardly religious but deeply spiritual, I couldn’t have gone for the former.

Moreover, having been blessed by Sri Sri Ravishankarji (Guruji), and having been told by Dinesh (Ghodke) Bhaiya, “When you have done everything possibly possible, He makes the Impossible possible,” I was too determined to hold back, only looking for a chance to prove people wrong. I wanted to be an example to every Indian kid growing up, who had ever dared to dream, and was sick and tired of the 'engineering' monotony. So, I built my ship and got ready mentally to set sail in order to eventually stop at Manchester United.


As I landed in Cincinnati, it was exactly how I had imagined it to be, maybe even better. I had to pinch myself for a second and tell the little boy inside of me, “Heck yeah, I am in America!” I had left India on a positive note: as a good – and not a gossip – soccer journalist, as a decent soccer marketer and a pretty-good soccer analyst. I remember my last couple of days in India well and especially that one incident when I went up to Khalid Jamil, one of the finest Indian soccer coaches, to tell him that I would be moving to US to pursue a two year Masters’ course in Sports Management. Listening to which he replied, “Toh fir idhar aa ke kaam karna”, which translates to ‘come back to India to work’. Moreover, he had patted me on the back to say, “Mehnat karna, tu accha karega.” Translating to, ‘work hard, you will do well’.

Getting such comments from a man whom I had an enormous respect for was like a blessing, making me swim (and not drown) in my own tears of sheer gratitude. In fact, I still get shivers as I think about that meeting and his words. Some things are absolutely incredible and unforgettable. Taking his words like his blessing, I had become stronger deep inside. In school and in college, I had failed only to get up, prove my worth and win, and although I knew it was going to be tough, I wasn’t worried.

 “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” - Paulo Coelho

My primary aim as I started with my Masters’ program at the Florida State University was to find a place to work on campus and after hearing that I could deal in soccer technology, FSU Seminole soccer did not hesitate even once before presenting me with an opportunity to work for the team and analyze their soccer games. I thank the coaches for that. They were brilliant to me.

As soccer rolled, Finnegan's followed and watching English Premier League on the weekends with soccer fans became an attraction. Soon, occasional parties followed and FSU life had started to set in. I still remember my first party at Stetson's at the end of which I promised myself to never party again. I was hit by a massive thunderstorm named 'culture shock'. I had seen it all in movies but seeing it first hand was different. I was so moved back then, but now, I can look at the entire incident and laugh my heart out. It was classic international student moment! How I sat in a corner and said, "No, no, no! This is wrong!" Hahahahaha!

But what was the ‘impossible dream’? It wasn’t working for FSU Soccer, was it? No, it wasn’t. The impossible dream was to live like how I was living like in India, but even better. It was to inspire people, gain love and most importantly, make the most of my ability, learn more than I could and become the best of me. In short, in Guruji’s words, I wanted to “walk with feet light but leave my footprints behind.” In spiritual terms, I didn’t know how to do it but I had an ‘intention’, and it worked out superbly well.

“Every noble work is at first impossible.” - Thomas Carlyle

I got a teaching assistantship wherein I inspired people. To be true, I taught an introductory Art of Living course and they loved it. Now, obviously, I couldn’t teach an Art of Living course. Smiling relentlessly and talking about the small problems in life, and teaching students how to smile through them was my objective. I believe, I did a decent job at it. Well, at least, some of the testimonials and course evaluations suggest the same.

Personally, teaching as a part of my TA was not enough and I wanted to contribute more, so, I decided on teaching stress-relief programs to some very special people who needed it the most: the homeless. What an experience that was. I remember leading them through their first meditation (yog nidra) and after seeing them come out of the practice, they were smiling like I had never seen them smile. It was out of this world. I cannot describe it. It was extraordinary. It’s moments like those that I feel so proud and grateful to God for having me learn, understand and experience spirituality. Really, what’s better than teaching people to relieve their stress on freewill, believe in themselves, feel lighter and stationing a smile on their face? Nothing, ask me.

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” - Walt Disney

I went on to work in performance analysis and sponsorship for IMG Academy (click to read how it was a dream come true) with some of the biggest names in American sport. Later, I became one of the only handful fewpeople in the world to get featured on the Catapult Sports, a technology that I learned at IMG, website. I also got a chance to speak through Skype in my very own class. Now, I am back in Tallahassee and I am working with FSU Seminoles Football in performance analysis on Catapult at the Florida State University. With only a month left for the season to start, watch us becoming national champions this year. Watch us play at Doak and see how we tear past oppositions to lift the championship.

On the way, I met some wonderful people and who loved me more than I could ever imagine. They called me a friend, a brother and a mate. I have the best friends ever!



Right from partying every weekend until two in the morning, to singing in Art of Living satsangs and in Hare Krishna (Iskon) kirtans, to learning about Jesus/Bible and Krishna/Bhagvad Gita, to falling in love and rising out of it, to spreading love, to working my socks off professionally, I have done everything that I could have asked for and wouldn’t like to change a thing when I look back.

All I wanted was a shot at the sports industry abroad and at times, even I have to shake myself to see where I am. It’s not NY Yankess, but had you offered it a year ago, I would have taken it without thinking and had you told me I would be here five years ago, I would have called you one out of your sense. However, on the other hand, it’s only a fraction of where I want to be. My dream is Manchester United and is still a distance away, but – in Dinesh Bhaiya’s words – I am doing everything possible to make the impossible dream possible. Every morning that I wake up, I smile, I feel grateful and I say to myself, “Let’s win it!” before going to work. It’s a divine feeling, believe me.

Friends, opportunity, confidence, love, knowledge, exposure, skills and an experience of a lifetime, a miraculous journey, the Florida State University has given me more than what I could have asked for.

Today is my graduation. I am a student today, I will be an Alumni tomorrow, but a Nole for the rest of my life.


I thank God for everything as it’s him for who I am and where I have reached. It’s Him due to whom that a little Indian boy, who came with massive aspirations, to America can now write a blogpost describing how he is living his dream under the sun and is on the path to get to his dream destination, Manchester United. Getting to Manchester United may seem like a miracle, but I rely on miracles, don't I? Yes, I do.

 

 I'm glad that I met ya'll. You guys absolutely rock! I thought I left home to come to America, but I just realized that I formed a home in this country. At times, I do miss home but it's love of each one of you that makes me feel like I have a family here. Forever in your debt.
                                                                                                           - Kratik Malhotra

From The Nib Of A Dreamer’s Pen #IMGAcademy

Posted: Saturday, May 18, 2013 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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(What an experience I have had at IMG! Passed faster than light and learned more than the Solskjaer of technology)


“I tell you, nothing is going to happen here. I wish we were working for IMG.” ---  My friend’s words while sitting in the parking lot of an Indian soccer stadium, during our marketing stint at an Indian soccer club, having failed to fill the seats with people.

Many of you might remember my blog-post, written about two and a half years ago, ‘A Touch Closer’. It was about how after being rejected by this software company, Tieto, God presented me with an opportunity to work and get paid, for what was a lot of money for me back then, by the largest soccer data and analytics company in Asia, Real Time Sportscast (RTS), as a soccer commentator and analyst.

After RTS, I went on to write for the largest soccer website in the world, market the biggest and the best professionally managed club in India, and in the past five months, I have interned with the largest sport management company in the world. I have come a long way but it's only 1% of where I want to be. Reflecting back, that job with RTS did end up getting me a touch closer.

At RTS, I was taught about stats, how they are needed, their importance, value and most importantly, their use. I started from scratch, did online soccer commentary of games, helped collect statistics and worked as a statistician, helped report the statistics and most importantly, working with technology and data, and analyzed them to aid the teams playing in the Indian Soccer League (I-League). It was a great experience.

When I moved to the United States, I was put on board of the FSU Women’s Soccer Team as a soccer analyst. It was a great year-long experience and it helped me in mastering my dream technology/software, Prozone. Now, I am called a ‘Prozone Expert’ by a few people in the industry and having learned Dartfish, I look to take my analysis to the next levels.

Late September 2012, I had applied for an internship in Sponsorship with the academy of the world’s largest sport management company, International Management Group (IMG), and they came back to me asking me to focus on another area, along with Sponsorship, Performance Technology (PT). I had offers for a marketing internship with NASCAR in Daytona, a marketing (branding) internship with Florida Panthers and a communications internship with the Philadelphia Union, but when IMG came calling with PT, my choice was clear, even though one of the other internships offered to pay me an hourly wage and another would have covered my housing and food.



When I started with IMG, that thing of ‘working for IMG’ had sunk in, completely. With my first week here, I was still caught in the ’IMG awe’. Seeing the work-culture, the professionalism among staff, the facility and infrastructure, the star athletes on campus, my job and responsibilities, the level of technology used, the knowledge to gain…everything…it was just marvelous, and I couldn’t believe that I was there. And to my loss, I, sort of, had started feeling that the organization was too big for me, and I had started undervaluing myself. I wish I had respected myself as much as I had done at any of the places where I worked in the past, but it was a priceless lesson from a learning standpoint. I won’t lie, I had a shaky start, but I improved in my work and partly, it was due to the IMG staff, who me feel like I was a part of the team. From the bottom of my heart, I thank them for that. It underlines their professionalism and management skill.

Alright, back to joining IMG. When I was told that I am cleared to join IMG, I remembered my friend’s quote (mentioned at the start of the post). It was all like a dream. I say, “I rely on miracles,” and that is what it was, it was a miracle. From a good old electronics engineer, who only ever sat for one job interview because he was clear that he wanted to get to Manchester United and Sky Sports, to a boy who interviewed players from several top clubs including Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, and is followed by Sky Sports journalists on Twitter, to one who was asked to be the face of the private television of an Indian soccer club that had their best season this year, to a boy who worked every day with the number one collegiate women’s soccer team in America on the number one soccer analysis software in the world used by the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Arsenal, and to a boy who was stepping into something that he considered absolutely massive, it was unbelievable how far I had come.

My internship was dual-departmental, and for the sponsorship department, I worked on sponsorship activation, sponsorship representation, inventory management, sponsor events, sponsor-related social media interaction and sponsor-apparel allotment, amongst several things. Working and interacting with some of the top sponsorship professionals at IMG, along with the personnel from sponsors that visited the IMG Academy campus onsite, was a magnificent experience.

For the performance department, I dealt with some of the state-of-the-art technologies that were there to learn. My job in performance revolved around working on Catapult, but later, I also started working on Dartfish and worked on match analysis with IMG’s under-14 soccer team. It was a major challenge but it was terrific. Working with Catapult was a little tough because I did not have the necessary exercise science knowledge needed but I was there to implement the technology, and I was very clear in that aspect.

The Catapult Guy! (Real Time Analysis)
I believe, I did the best job that I possibly could have done and in the process, learned a lot. Dartfish was awesome. Knowing how to use the tagging feature in Dartfish has taught me how to integrate various technologies together maximizing its use. I thought Match Analysis (MA) would be a piece of cake for me, having worked on the best technology that was there to work on, in Prozone. But Match Analysis was different as it required a lot more manual work, but was no big deal for me to adapt. However, with enough on the table to work with, finding time to work with MA was tough, especially because I was not bound to work on when I started. Working with MA and IMG soccer was something that I took up due to my love for soccer and my two-year analysis experience in the sport.

In all, IMG offered me an invaluable experience. In fact, I would have paid to work on some of the things that I worked on and gain the knowledge that I gained. It was very-very special indeed. Every single morning I would wake up, smile and say, “I am living my dream,” and then, leave my apartment for work. I have loved every moment of my time in Bradenton, Florida. I still remember when some of my colleagues brought in a desk and set it up for me; what a moment that was! I was so touched. Five minutes after that happened, I went into the restroom, locked myself in one of the toilets and cried. To me, it showed that I was valued and loved. It was such a touching thing. Even on my final day, gifts and comments like these made me melt. By the way, in the picture is a shakeweight gifted to me by one of the 'crew' members. I will miss the crew; everyone, absolutely everyone.


There are so many memories that I am taking back home with me and holding which in the highest regard, I would cherish these for a lifetime.

My office for the summer - Doak Campbell Stadium
Hey reader, if you are looking for an internship or a job, apply for a position at IMG Academy, it may not only fulfill your expectation, but it may even supersede it.


As for me, it’s time to move on and further enhance my learning. Next stop: Florida State Football. Yes, I am heading back to Tallahassee. As my Tally lads may say, “Back In the hood.” In the hood, yes, but who knows, I may head back to IMG in the future again :)

Yesterday, it was IMG; tomorrow it will be Manchester United. My dreams and aspirations make me a dreamer. Thanks for reading this post from the nib of my pen.

Follow your heart. Have faith. Live your dream.

Love,
Kratik

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The Warrior Prince

Posted: Monday, April 15, 2013 by Kratik in Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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(Have you ever transformed anyone's life? Do it for the better! This world needs you! )


Warrior Prince. No, this post is not about Sourav Ganguly nor is it about Paul Scholes. Well, Scholescy is the ginger prince. Whatever.

This post is, in fact, about a boy who believed in God and let it all pass. Stop thinking so much...I am not talking about Ayrton Senna either. He is just a boy; a boy who experienced dreamland and lived his fantasies every single day.

What's his name? Well, they call him the Warrior Prince.

He had never been away from his kingdom but he dreamed of claiming the Kohinoor Diamond, buried at nadir under Joker's dungeon. He had heard stories, but he didn’t know the way. He had faith, but it could have been his last fight into the fray.

As he was about to leave for Azkaban, the greatest masters blessed him. They blessed him to fly through Pandora and sprint past Mufasa. He promised to not disappoint; donning his fedora, he set his sail.

First, he met Scrooge McDuck on the way, who was too busy counting his money. He went to the richest duck in the world said, “So, what are you going to do with your money?” Uncle Scrooge replied, “Invest it to make more.” He remarked, “Really? And what are you going to do with that?” With a gingerly look, McDuck said, “Make more. Simple,” as he started counting how much money he had made, again. Prince remarked, “Interesting.”

Prince kept his hand on Scrooge McDuck’s shoulder, smiled and said, “That who fears can never live and that who lives will never fear. Think about it.”

Leaving Mr. McDuck puzzled, high and dry, he sailed on.



As he sailed further, he noticed that he had reached ‘Duckland’ as he saw a number of ducks. One of them was shouting from the top of his voice. Prince didn’t understand the reason for his discomfort, and so, approached the duck wearing a blue sailor hat.

Let’s have a sneak-peak into the actual conversation:
Prince (hand on the duck’s shoulder): What happened young man? Oops…sorry, duck.

Duck (furiously): Duck?! My name is Donald!

Warrior Prince: I am sorry Donald. I didn’t mean to hurt you. You seem livid, what happened?

 Donald Duck (depressed): I have been trying to win the ‘Disney Star of the Year’ award but I always get beaten by a mouse.

Warrior Prince: But you came second, that’s good, isn’t it?

Donald Duck: Not as good as first!

Warrior Prince: I’ll give you a weapon with which you can beat your best; maybe even that mouse, who knows?!

Donald Duck: "What's the big idea!?"


…and Prince made Donald to close his eyes and conjured his magic. When Donald opened his eyes, his anger had evaporated and there was a strong shift that he felt. His smile was wide and he promised himself to spread the love to latitudes even wider.

The Warrior Prince sailed past the mountain and saw a mouse cracking jokes and making people laugh. He paused and exclaimed, “A 2 ft. mouse wearing a crown talking to humans, interesting?” Prince then, paused, heard one of mouse’s jokes, laughed for a bit and started sailing again.
He soon bumped into a clumsy dog, who seemed to have a little intelligence, Goofy. Seeing Prince, Goofy shouted, “Aren’t you going to Mickey’s winning celebration?”

Sneak-Peak:
Prince: Who is Mickey and celebration for what?

Goofy: He was crowned the ‘Disney Character of Year’ for the 85th year running!

Prince: Have you invited Donald? He was sad and was fuming that he didn’t win.

Goofy: Yes, Mickey invites everyone. Donald was invited as well.

(Goofy looked down and put his hand over his own fedora) You know, Donald is a good friend of mine. He fights sharks and storms, but gets beaten by Mickey every year. Sad, but I guess that’s how it goes.

Prince (Smiled): He will win the next year; I have given him a magical weapon.

Goofy (laughed in his own unique way): Gawrsh! What’s that?

Prince (smileed even more and starts sailing): Call Donald; he is waiting!

…and Prince sailed on.


He soon saw a pilot almost crashing his airplane into the sea before ascending the aircraft in a steep spiral over water. Having come from the age of empires, he had never seen this kind of airplane drama. In his sight, that was extraordinary.

Seeing a man looking in awe from the deck of his ship, the pilot’s assistant asked the pilot to see if the man needs help. The driver dismissed his request at first, but then, obligeed. After a smooth landing on the bed of the sea, the driver and his assistant swam over and entered the ship.

Pilot said, “Hey, I’m Baloo. Do you need any help?”

Overwhelmed Prince replied “That was mind-blowing and yes, if you can fly me to Azkaban, that would be great.”

Baloo pulled his assistant, Kit, to the side and had a little discussion and ultimately, told Prince that two had come to a decision and would not be going to Azkaban.

Prince (looked down and frowned): Thanks, but I really wanted to get there.

Seeing his face grow smaller, Kit pressurized Baloo, who said, “Let’s go!” After experiencing multiple tailspins, Prince reaches Azkaban safely. He noticed that Baloo had a habit of losing his temper very easily and asked him if he wants a gift.

Seemingly caught in conundrum, Baloo, in a jolly way, says, “So, I get paid?”

Prince: No, not money. Better than that.

Baloo: Better than money? Free food at Louis’ restaurant?

Prince: No. Close your eyes.


As the bear closed his eyes, Prince ran his charm on Baloo’s mind and started walking towards the Dungeon underneath the castle, leaving the pilot at peace.


Seeing him walking on the island, towards the castle, castle’s guards caught him and presented him to the Joker, who, thought that Prince wass just another person who has lost his way, and so, ordered his guards to put him into the dungeon.

In the dungeon, Prince met five individuals, who called themselves ‘The Planeteers’, and who were tasked with defending the Earth from the greatest of disasters and making efforts to educate mankind to keep others from happening. With all of them depleted in energy and with the boy from North America, Wheeler, going through relationship problems with Linka (from Soviet Union), Prince iterated his desire to restore all their powers with his magic.

Also, he saw a man, ferocious as a tiger, rambling, looking to beat the meat out of a person. As he tried to go close, the man shouted from the top of his throat, trying to scare Prince. Prince started smiling and started walking towards the man.

The man felt indifferent as for the first time, someone hadn’t got scared of him. As Prince got to the man, his smile grew and he put his hand around man’s shoulder, asking him to sit down. He asked the planeteers to sit down as well.


Prince taught those six prisoners breathing techniques and guided them through a meditation. He made them feel focused and relaxed at the same time, made them experience bliss and devotion at the same time, made them experience their presence and love once again, and most importantly, made them smile once again.

As the prisoners opened their eyes, they felt revitalized and the rush of adrenalin had them believing that they had been reborn.

After the meditation, unbelievably, the ferocious man stood up and said, “My name is Jaffer. I have committed sins; many sins. But I don’t blame myself for any of them. I blame you!”

He added, “Yes, you. I blame you! Because had you made me experience what I just experienced, I would have never committed any of these sins. It’s you who is responsible and not me.”
As the others looked in amazement, Prince smiled and said, “Your time is now!”

After breathing techniques and meditation, planeteers started to feel strong once again, and combined their powers to call on Captain Planet.
 

As Captain fought Joker, Prince taught Jaffer the ‘Art of Living’ well enough to teach the others. With time, Joker was beaten and Captain rescued the planeteers and Prince. When Prince asked Jaffer to follow him to his kingdom, Jaffer replied, “I have just started. I have plenty of work left here.”
He further added, “With power comes responsibility and this is the greatest power one can have – to transform lives. Having attained that, I will make a difference. I am better off here.”

Prince smiled, and then, God conjured magic. Jaffer took Prince to a river, down into the dungeon, and dived into the river and went to its deepest possible point. With the whole situation past Prince’s vocabulary, Jaffer came back with a bright shining substance. Prince, remembering his ultimate objective, smiled and said, “So, it was true. The Kohinoor Diamond really existed at nadir of the river.”

As a token of gift, Jaffer, who as it turned out was cursed to be the protector of the precious stone until someone treated him as a normal human being, presented the massive – 5 cm in radius diamond – to Prince.
Prince got reminded of something that was taught to him back home: When you do His work, he does yours.

As he reached his kingdom, he got to know that Scrooge McDuck was living his dream and enjoying his retirement than putting all his energy in earning money. He was also informed that Donald Duck had finally won the ‘Disney Star Of The Year’ award. It was brought to his notice that Baloo was keeping his anger at bay, and Wheeler and Linka had sorted out their respective stresses and are doing very well in their relationship.

How did this happen? What did Prince do? I have talked of Prince’s magic. His magic was in not differentiating between creatures, making people experience delightful meditation and teaching them the way life is supposed to be led.

***People, one request, let Prince rise in you so that what happened in Boston today never happens anywhere in the world tomorrow. Meditate, make people meditate and make this world a better place to live in. Spread knowledge. Spread Love.

Jai Gurudev J
Love,
Kratik

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