I’ll never forget the time I was cast as the Major-General in The Pirates of Penzance during my junior year of high school. Having played minor roles, itt was a chance to sink my chops into something really meaty. Besides those minor roles I had played, I was essentially all about sports—football was my bag. But my coach, Ray Churchill, was also the drama coach with no trouble drafting actors for the school spring musical. So, next thing I knew, I was in the spotlight, playing this fast-talking, high-energy character, reciting one of the most tongue-twisting songs ever written: “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.”
Learning the lyrics was nerve-wracking. Memorizing them was like trying to run drills for hours—only, this wasn’t physical. It was mental. My mom helped me practice. We spent hours on a long family road trip to Disney World, rehearsing the lyrics over and over again until they were seared into my brain. It wasn’t easy, but I knew I had to commit, just like I would on the field. I wasn’t about to let my coach—or myself—down.
The funny thing is, this experience taught me a lot more than just how to memorize a song. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone. I was used to the football field, not the stage. I had to risk looking like a fool in front of my teammates and the entire school. But something clicked during that process—it was about growth, about pushing myself in ways I hadn’t expected.
Reflecting on My Journey: That moment taught me something I’ve carried with me ever since. Whether it’s been in sports, in my career, or in life, stepping outside my comfort zone has been where the real growth happens. Looking back, every experience—whether it’s playing football, performing on stage, or navigating my personal challenges—has built the foundation for who I am today.
Finding My Purpose: Back then, I didn’t know where life would take me. But that experience stuck with me. I learned how to show up, even when things weren’t easy, even when I didn’t have all the answers. Later in life, my passion shifted from sports to health and wellness. Having struggled with my own health, including dealing with epilepsy as a kid, I realized how important it was to prioritize well-being. And that’s what led me to where I am today as a corporate wellness coach.
Embracing Change: Playing the Major-General was more than just learning a part—it was about learning how to embrace change. It taught me that sometimes, you have to take risks, step into roles you wouldn’t normally choose, and trust that the experience will make you better. Whether it’s taking on new responsibilities at work or tackling a personal challenge, I’ve learned that growth only happens when you’re willing to take that leap.
Surrounding Myself with Support: I didn’t do it alone. My mom was there, helping me learn the lyrics, and Coach Churchill believed in me enough to push me into a challenging role. I’ve realized that surrounding yourself with people who support you—whether it’s family, friends, or mentors—is crucial. They’re the ones who help you push through those tough moments.
Prioritizing Health: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned, especially through my experience with health challenges, is that taking care of yourself isn’t just important—it’s essential. Health, both mental and physical, is what allows us to face life’s challenges with resilience. It’s something I now focus on every day, both for myself and in my work helping others as a wellness coach.
And in the spirit of Penzance, here are the lyrics. Call me to recite them correctly and I’ll bring your whole HR department pizza. And if your whole office can recite it to me, you can pretty much ask for whatever you want!
I’ve information vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I know the kings of England, and I quote the fights historical
From Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical;
I’m very well acquainted, too, with matters mathematical,
I understand equations, both the simple and quadratical,
About binomial theorem I’m teeming with a lot o’ news,
With many cheerful facts about the square of the hypotenuse.
I’m very good at integral and differential calculus;
I know the scientific names of beings animalculous:
In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I am the very model of a modern Major-General.
I know our mythic history, King Arthur’s and Sir Caradoc’s;
I answer hard acrostics, I’ve a pretty taste for paradox,
I quote in elegiacs all the crimes of Heliogabalus,
In conics I can floor peculiarities parabolous;
I can tell undoubted Raphaels from Gerard Dows and Zoffanies,
I know the croaking chorus from The Frogs of Aristophanes!b
Then I can hum a fugue of which I’ve heard the music’s din afore,c
And whistle all the airs from that infernal nonsense Pinafore.
And tell you ev’ry detail of Caractacus’s uniform’d
In short, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I am the very model of a modern Major-General.
When I can tell at sight a Mauser rifle from a Javelin,e
When such affairs as sorties and surprises I’m more wary at,
And when I know precisely what is meant by “commissariat”,
When I have learnt what progress has been made in modern gunnery,
When I know more of tactics than a novice in a nunnery—
In short, when I’ve a smattering of elemental strategy—
You’ll say a better Major-General has never sat a gee.f
For my military knowledge, though I’m plucky and adventury,
Has only been brought down to the beginning of the century;
But still, in matters vegetable, animal, and mineral,
I am the very model of a modern Major-General.
To your health!
