Each week we’ll hear a new This I Believe essay – today from Nicholas Capo, who spent many evenings during his youth playing basketball with his father. Although he preferred volleyball and books, Capo saw his father’s drive to perfect his jump shot as an inspiration for how he could live his own life. Capo is now an associate professor of English at Illinois College where he encourages his students to work hard and to strive for perfection. Capo grew up in Pennsylvania, earning a B.A. and a M.F.A. in English at Pennsylvania State University and now lives with his wife, Beth, in Jacksonville, Illinois.
Click here to read a transcript and to listen to the audio of his “This I Believe” essay.
Click here for guidelines to write and submit your own statement of beliefs.