I love to work with the younger kids who are trying to live out

Hear now, children of purpose and perseverance, and attend to the words of Roger Clemens, a man who forged his legacy through discipline, fire, and devotion to the craft: “I love to work with the younger kids who are trying to live out their dreams, if in fact that's what they plan on doing after college to take the next step. A very select few have that opportunity so when you do have the opportunity you know, those guys take advantage of it.” In these words lies not only the wisdom of a seasoned athlete but the universal truth of all mentorship — that opportunity is both rare and sacred, and the duty of the wise is to guide the next generation to seize it with courage and gratitude.

From the earliest days, the elders among humankind have stood as bridges between youth and destiny. The master mason teaches the apprentice to shape stone; the general instructs the young soldier in the art of battle; the teacher nurtures the spirit of inquiry in the student. So too does Clemens, a titan of the game, become a vessel through which the fire of aspiration is passed onward. He recognizes that not all who dream may arrive at greatness, yet those who are given the chance must take advantage of it, must labor with passion and humility to honor the gift.

The heart of Clemens’ reflection lies in the nature of opportunity — fleeting, selective, and demanding. Many desire to ascend, but only a few are called to step forward into the crucible of excellence. To these few, destiny whispers, “Now.” Yet, as Clemens reminds us, it is not enough to be chosen; one must choose back. The athlete who hesitates, the artist who doubts, the scholar who delays — all risk losing the moment when effort and opportunity converge. True success belongs to those who recognize their moment and act with unrelenting focus.

Consider the tale of Michael Jordan, who, even after being cut from his high school basketball team, did not despair. He used rejection as fuel and trained until his body and mind became instruments of precision. When opportunity came — when the next door opened — he did not stumble in hesitation. He seized it. Like Clemens, he understood that dreams alone are insufficient; they must be matched with discipline, mentorship, and relentless will. The dream without effort is mist — beautiful, but soon gone.

In Clemens’ words also lives the spirit of gratitude and service. The elder who teaches does not do so to glorify himself, but to ensure that the torch does not fall. The mentor’s joy is not in the echo of his own name, but in seeing another rise higher than he once stood. Such is the mark of true greatness — not merely to succeed, but to build others who can succeed beyond you. The greatest gift a master gives is not technique, but belief — the quiet confidence that says, “You can do this, and you must.”

The lesson for the listener is clear: when opportunity presents itself, do not falter. Prepare your mind, your hands, your spirit — for life does not promise equal chances, but it rewards equal dedication. Seek mentors who will challenge you; honor them by acting on their wisdom. And when your own time comes to guide others, do so with the same humility and generosity that Clemens shows — remembering always that knowledge is not owned, but shared.

Practical wisdom flows from this reflection. Work diligently even when unseen, for preparation is the soil from which opportunity blooms. Respect those who came before you, for their journey carved the road you now walk. And when the door opens — whether to the field, the stage, or the boardroom — step through it without fear, for hesitation is the enemy of destiny.

Finally, let Roger Clemens’ words be a reminder that greatness is not merely measured in victories, but in legacy. The true champion is not only he who wins, but he who awakens others to their own potential. The dream belongs to the young, but its preservation rests in the hands of the wise. Thus, the circle of aspiration continues — the elder guiding the youth, the youth rising toward mastery — until, through generations, the fire of excellence never dies.