I'm a huge Kentucky fan. So when there was a chance to do the

"I'm a huge Kentucky fan. So when there was a chance to do the John Wall dance, I went into character." These words, spoken by Josh Hopkins, reveal the deep emotional connection that can arise when one is intertwined with their passion—be it for a team, a person, or an ideal. Hopkins, with his unabashed enthusiasm, speaks not just of fandom but of something more: the transformation that occurs when we allow ourselves to fully embody the spirit of what we love. In this simple act of going into character, he is not merely mimicking a dance, but tapping into a larger cultural moment, a shared joy, and an identity that transcends the individual.

The John Wall dance, as Hopkins references, was not simply a move performed on a whim. It became a symbol—a celebration of triumph, of passion, and of unity. When John Wall, the basketball star from the University of Kentucky, performed this dance, it resonated with fans not just because of its flair, but because it captured the essence of what it meant to be part of something greater than oneself. Hopkins, in this moment, understands that fandom is not about passive observation, but active participation. To go into character is to embrace the role of the fan, to become a living embodiment of the team's spirit.

This connection between a person and their passion is not unique to sports. Consider the ancient warriors of the Greeks, who did not simply fight for their homes, but became the embodiment of their city-states. Take the example of Alexander the Great, who, as a youth, could have followed any number of paths. Yet he chose to not only lead but become the image of conquest and glory. His army, led by his own fervor, was not just a group of soldiers, but an extension of his own character. They fought, not just for land, but for the honor of their ideals. Just as Hopkins steps into the role of a Kentucky fan, so too did Alexander step into the role of leader and conqueror, knowing that greatness lay in embracing one’s purpose completely.

What Hopkins offers us is a profound lesson in commitment. The act of going into character is not just about donning the mask of the fan or the warrior, but about deeply internalizing what it means to be part of something. It is about surrendering oneself to a cause, an idea, a passion, and becoming its living, breathing expression. True dedication is not shown in half-hearted attempts, but in moments when one becomes fully immersed in their role. In the same way that athletes train tirelessly, not to win, but to embody their sport, so too must we dedicate ourselves to the causes and passions that call us. Whether in our careers, relationships, or personal endeavors, we must go into character—taking on the mantle of those who inspire us, and living with the intensity and commitment they embody.

This idea of becoming the very thing one admires brings to mind the example of Nelson Mandela, who, upon becoming president, did not simply assume a title, but became the embodiment of reconciliation and justice. Like Hopkins with his dance, Mandela knew that leadership required participation, that one cannot lead unless one has first immersed themselves completely in the role. He transformed his life into a living testament to the very ideals he fought for, just as Hopkins allowed himself to be completely enveloped in the spirit of Kentucky basketball.

In our own lives, there is a lesson to be learned from both John Wall’s dance and Josh Hopkins’ playful yet profound engagement with it. It is not enough to simply watch from the sidelines; we must step onto the court ourselves, fully enter into character, and live the values that matter most to us. When we commit ourselves fully to what we love—be it a passion, a cause, or a community—we transcend the role of passive observer and become active creators in the world around us.

Thus, the lesson here is clear: to embrace your passion fully and become its embodiment. Just as Hopkins stepped into the character of a fan, so must we step into the characters of our own lives—not just as observers, but as active participants, ready to contribute, ready to dance, ready to fight for what we believe. Whether in moments of joy or adversity, let us remember that we are not simply defined by the roles we are given, but by the roles we choose to take on and the commitment we bring to them.