I’m a proud loser

When I was six years old, I was excited about having the leading role in a school Christmas concert.

When I was eight years old, I was acing math tests and on every extracurricular team in my Grade 3 class.

When I was 12 years old, my first junior high report card was all A’s (except for that pesky C in science).

When I was 14 years old, I won the citizenship award, male performer and dancer of the year and was honoured at my junior high graduation.

When I was 15 years old, I was the first student to do two concurrent job placements – with the CBC and the Winnipeg Police Service – to pursue a writing career.

When I was 17 years old, I was working nearly full-time hours while still attending high school.

Fast forward 10 years and by today’s standards, boy, was I a loser back then.

When they are eight years old, they are stealing cars.

When they are 10 years old, they are lighting fires in back lanes.

When they are 14 years old, they are convicted of murder after stabbing a complete stranger.

When they are 17 years old, they might be dead.

Maybe it’s good to be a loser after all.