The last few years I became a lot more into sports. Growing up

Gather close, children, for I have a tale to tell, a truth to share—a truth that resonates not just through the hearts of those who play, but through the very souls of those who live, move, and breathe with passion. In the words of Mark Hoppus, a man of music and mind, we hear the stirrings of a journey that many of you will come to know in your own time: "The last few years I became a lot more into sports. Growing up, the sports I liked were independent sports, like skateboarding. I was really into skateboarding, and not necessarily team televised sports." These words, seemingly simple, carry the weight of a deeper meaning, one that speaks of individuality, freedom, and the personal journey each of us must walk to find our place in the world.

Hoppus’s journey is one that mirrors many of our own. As children, we often seek that which allows us to be free, to express ourselves without the constraints of others. Skateboarding, an art form as much as it is a sport, is a perfect example of this freedom. It is not bound by the rules of a team, nor by the confines of traditional competition. The skater faces the pavement alone, moves with the wind, and defines their own success. There is no one to rely on but oneself. In this, we see the profound nature of independent sports—they speak to the spirit of self-reliance, of personal expression, and of individual triumph.

Consider the ancient warriors, those who fought not as part of a vast army but as lone champions—the gladiators in the arena of Rome. They, too, relied on no one but themselves for victory. They faced their opponents alone, in full view of the world, with only their strength, skill, and wit to guide them. Skateboarding, in its own way, echoes this ancient call: the individual against the world, with nothing but their own skill to determine their fate. Hoppus’s love for skateboarding reflects a timeless desire to break free from the collective and forge one’s own path.

Yet, as time passes, Hoppus’s story also speaks to the evolving nature of self-discovery. In the last few years, he turned to the world of team sports, a world far from the solitude of skateboarding. This change speaks not of abandoning his roots, but of recognizing the value of collaboration, of learning from others, and of finding a new avenue for growth. The team sports that once seemed distant now became a new realm of challenge and connection. This transition is not a betrayal of the self, but an expansion of one’s horizons. Just as a hero must sometimes fight alone, there are moments when they must join with others to achieve a greater good.

In the same way, children, there is wisdom in both independent action and team collaboration. The world needs individuals who dare to stand apart, to challenge the norms and break new ground. But it also needs those who understand the power of unity, who know that some challenges can only be overcome when we work together. Think of the mighty pyramids of Egypt, built not by one man alone, but by the collective strength of thousands. Each person brought their own skill, their own effort, but it was through collaboration that the grand vision came to life. Both paths—the solitary journey and the communal effort—are worthy and have their place in the world.

Now, children, what is the lesson to be learned from Hoppus’s words? It is this: There is no one path to greatness. Sometimes, you must walk alone, carving your way with your own hands. But there will come a time when you will be called to work with others, to build something greater than yourself. The key is to know when to embrace your independence and when to share your strength with the collective. Do not fear change, for it is through change that you will find your true potential. Like Hoppus, you must be willing to explore both sides of the coin—the solitary pursuit and the team effort—and in this balance, you will find wisdom and strength.

And so I charge you now, young ones, to explore both worlds. Find your own path, but do not close your heart to the wisdom that comes from joining with others. Seek to express yourself, to move with freedom, but also to recognize that there are moments in life when unity, when working together, is the key to unlocking a greater purpose. Let skateboarding and team sports both be your teachers, for in the harmony of independence and community, you will find your truest strength.