Did you do this FIRST with someone?

Did you do it? Did you see the eclipse of the sun, total or partial? It was a first for most of us.

That anticipation, that childlike awe you experienced?

That’s what it’s like to do firsts.

Did you look through cereal boxes, special glasses?

Did you take a chance and peek?

I did.

I walked out of Annenberg Hall on the Temple University campus where my office is and joined my friends and co-workers in this once in a lifetime event. We had clouds. Then they parted. We ooooohed and ahhhhhhed in unison.

Who were you with?

You see we bond with whoever we share FIRSTS with. It’s special. We share that experience, even if small and it connects us.

We can bring more of that awe and wonder to our everyday lives. Isn’t that what we want? More memories?

We can do it if we intentionally seek firsts and new experiences in the smallest ways.

I’m about to remind Freshmen at our Klein College of Media and Communication this week to seek out FIRSTS, even if they are nervous about it.

That’s when we grow.

That’s when we gain courage and learn about ourselves and sometimes, where we want to go.

Not all firsts will be as fun as an eclipse but they are almost all enlightening.