Sunday, February 22, 2009

An Inspiring Story...

Kim Stiefer Yngland was born on September 27, 1985 on a snowy morning in Oslo, Norway. He enjoyed a comfortable and healthy upbringing, chiefly centered around academics, sports and Norwegian folklore. Naturally, he excelled on the ski slopes but his heart always lay on the soccer field. Dreams and ambitions of walking on the pitch at Wembley Stadium, donning a number seven kit for the Luxembourg national squad (his mother is born in Luxembourg entitling him to potential citizenship) eternally lingered in his mind. It was his goal.

In an attempt to improve his less-than-adequate English speaking abilities, Kim set sail for the blue seas of America. In San Francisco, he pursued a Masters degree in Financial Analysis and graduated with honors at the top of his class. Any objective Kim set to his mind, he was able to achieve.

Naturally, our Norwegian friend grew comfortable with his San Francisco lifestyle, inhaling culture (and prawn burritos) at every possibility, never wasting a moment indoors. The weather in California is drastically warmer than his native land. A desirable climate coupled with a solid group of friends comfortably placed Kim in an environment he could easily call home.

Something changed.

That deep and burning desire to pursue what he called, “Iglesia Maradoniana” took control of his mind and body. Almost instantaneously, he understood that a return home was imminent and in a moment of pure decisiveness and confidence, Kim purchased a one way ticket to Oslo, packed his bags and said farewell to a life he dreamed of for so long.

“It was never a choice really,” Kim explained through a translator. “I had to go home and pursue my dream. When one looks back on their life, the worst feeling is to say you never went for it. So, I am.”

Upon arrival to Norway, Kim instantaneously signed with “HUK FK,” a third division, quarter-professional soccer club. If the team plays well enough, they could see promotion to the second division, opening up Yngland’s opportunities to be scouted by the Luxembourg nationals. He is off to Croatia for a team training session at the end of March and will start club play shortly after.

Warm memories of Ocean Beach and Divisadero Street have been replaced with cold mornings on Norwegian public transportation systems. Still, Kim is proud of his decision.

“I woke up one morning and realized that it’s never too late,” Yngland said in a stern tone. “We each control our actions, every single day. Once I learned that I was the only one stopping myself from achieving this life long dream, I decided to change it. My favorite American President was Teddy Roosevelt, an incredible, active individual and a natural leader. He once said, ‘Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.’ That spoke to me. Finally, I decided to pack up my life to pursue my dream. After all, you only live once.”

Kim’s dedication and determination inspired me. It helped me realize that an individual’s potential is infinite; anything can be accomplished with the appropriate attitude. Sadly, society creates a lot of obstacles that often blind us from recognizing this. Every now and then, it is important to stand back, open your eyes and realize how much can be done in a single day, month, year, life.

On the surface it seems ridiculous – a 23 year-old with the world at his fingertips abandons years of study (and the opportunity to live in San Francisco) to eventually play soccer for a country that he is not yet a citizen of.

Sure, it’s strange and a bit weird. But – it’s Kim’s dream. And - he is pursuing it. These two facts alone place Kim with an elite group of individuals who truly maximize their experience of being alive.

Theodore Roosevelt, wherever he is in heaven, must be smiling.