Big Ange makes football history | Australian Story

Key Concepts:

• Destiny/Calling: A strong, internal feeling of a predetermined path.
• Impossible Dream: A goal that seems highly unlikely to be achieved.
• Immigrant Experience (Melbourne, 1970s): The challenges and resilience of growing up as an immigrant in a specific time and place.
• Resilience: The ability to withstand and recover from difficult conditions.
• Motivation: The driving force behind achieving goals.

Early Aspirations and the Sense of Destiny

The speaker describes having a "calling" from a young age, a strong internal feeling that a specific path was their "destiny." This feeling was deeply ingrained, suggesting a predetermination towards a particular goal or achievement. The speaker recalls having posters on the wall as a young boy, representing the things he "dreamt about," emphasizing the long-held nature of these aspirations. The speaker refers to these aspirations as "almost an impossible dream," highlighting the perceived difficulty and unlikelihood of achieving them.

The Immigrant Experience and Building Resilience

The speaker reflects on growing up in Melbourne in the 1970s as an immigrant, describing it as a "pretty tough old school." This suggests a challenging environment where resilience was necessary. The speaker mentions being the subject of "barbs" and jokes, specifically referencing the name "Angelo Cogler." However, the speaker states that "nothing I going to say was going to upset me," indicating a developed sense of resilience and the ability to withstand criticism. The speaker embraces the jokes, stating "I love it," and acknowledging that it reflects their upbringing. This demonstrates an ability to turn potentially negative experiences into a source of strength and motivation.

Dedication and Future Aspirations

The speaker emphasizes the immense effort required to achieve their goals, stating that it "took every little ounce of me, every bit of me." This highlights the level of dedication and commitment involved. Despite the challenges, the speaker views this as "just the beginning," expressing confidence that "in 10 years time...there'll be more trophies that have been won, more stories to." This demonstrates a continued drive for success and a belief in future achievements.

Conclusion

The speaker's narrative is one of early aspirations, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering dedication. The "impossible dream" fueled by a strong sense of destiny, combined with the challenges of the immigrant experience, shaped a determined individual. The speaker's confidence in future success underscores the lasting impact of these formative experiences.