My Lunch with Bob

Note: I visited DC from September 22nd-26th. Due to recent events, I wasn’t able to post this entry until quite some time after that! Please read about why I went here.

Bob Benenson is an MSU Alum who has worked at Congressional Quarterly for almost 29 years as a political analyst specializing in elections. He definitely found the way to my heart through talks of politics, all things Spartan, and a delicious lunch.

Our lunch left me feeling extremely optimistic about where my life is headed, but he also taught me that no matter how much we plan, our dreams may change. That is nothing to be afraid of, as long as you are up for the challenge of pursuing your passion.

Bob also made an analogy that I haven’t been able to let go of. On Saturday, September 18th, Coach Dantonio called a play that pinnacled in the touchdown seen across the nation. Whether you wear green and white or blue and gold, the magnitude of that unexpected moment could not go unnoticed. Bob spoke of risk. Not only the risk of that trick play, but also the risk that we all have to take to survive these hard times – the risks Michigan must take if we are going to transform potential into success.

What Dantonio did was certainly unexpected. It could have backfired, but if he hadn’t taken the risk, the game would have ended differently. As the coach and Bob can attest to, there are consequences of living a high stress, risky lifestyle. Coach Dantonio works hard to take players from all walks of life and mold them into Spartans. It is an uphill battle to be sure – one that mirrors the fights we will have to win as Michiganders.

What we need to remember is that the best rewards often come from the greatest risks and the most adamant persistence.

You can find Bob Benenson on LinkedIn and Twitter. These are my LinkedIn and Twitter accounts.

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