Contest Alert !!! || "My Role Model is Swiss.

ibesso (65)in Steem For Pakistan • 6 months ago (edited)

I would like to start by thanking the Steem For Pakistan community and @yaladeeds for inviting me to participate in this contest, stimulating my thoughts with such an inspiring speech.

In 1993, as I crossed the threshold of the Academy of Communication in Milan, I could never have imagined that I would cross paths with such a memorable character. Stefano, affectionately nicknamed "Swiss" for his Italian-Swiss origins, was the unexpected personified, immediately piquing my interest. His figure, with that Nordic allure – tall and slender, with a mane of fine, almost unreal blond hair, deep blue eyes, and sharp facial features giving him a singular distinction – made him appear at first glance as an introverted, almost reticent soul, a true enigma to be unveiled. But it was precisely that aura of mystery that made him magnetically fascinating, inviting me, almost challenging me, to discover the stories hidden behind the veil of his reserve.

^{This digital image, inspired by Swiss's journey in Jamaica, encompasses a transformative encounter with children in the jungle. Their genuine laughter, captured by a large format camera, not only highlighted the essence of human connections and simplicity but also profoundly shaped Swiss's character. This pivotal experience planted the seeds for his bold ambition to become a war reporter, showing how moments of pure joy and simplicity can inspire deep life choices and the pursuit of challenging paths.}

Swiss, with his insatiable thirst for adventure, even flirted with the idea of diving into the heart of the conflict in Yugoslavia for a report. During a dinner in Switzerland, the debate with his father heated up, a battle of wills between Swiss's youthful audacity and his father's cautious concern. His mother, a rock of stoic firmness, silently witnessed this generational clash. However, the episode took an unexpected turn when, after a heated discussion in which I highlighted the practical challenges of such a journey – and the minor detail that he had just enrolled in the academy to pursue a very different path – Swiss's, with a smile acknowledging defeat, decided to postpone his debut as a war correspondent. Thus, our hero, armed more with common sense than with a large format camera, decided that the greatest adventure awaited him within the walls of the Academy of Communication, and not in the Balkans.

Our friendship, born in the corridors of the Academy of Communication, was nourished by shared projects and adventures that only the freshness of youth can offer. Among these, one episode stands out for its unusual character and the way it reflects Stefano's free spirit. After a heated debate in class on the art of advertising persuasion, Swiss decided to challenge conventions in a rather theatrical manner: he showed up to class dressed as a woman. This exhibition was not so much an expression of eccentricity as it was a bold statement against our professor's overly orthodox teaching methods. Swiss's gesture, rather than causing perplexity, sparked a lively debate on the need for innovation and open-mindedness in the academic and creative field. With this provocation, Swiss not only highlighted the rigidity of certain educational approaches but reaffirmed the value of personal expression and constructive criticism.

And so, I stop here, otherwise, I risk turning this story into an entire book. The years at the academy flew by, and, thanks to our harmony, we found ourselves working together in an agency in the vibrant Milanese jet set. We felt strong; when you're young and talented, you think you can do anything. We were at the peak of our success, but then, as often happens in life, something went wrong. Swiss, during a masquerade party, was the victim of a severe accident that forced him to use two prostheses to walk. That moment crashed me to the ground. I realized how much Swiss had become an integral part of me, how his presence had shaped my formative years. I felt lost, as if a part of myself had been ripped away, devoid of everything we had built together. The fragility of our existence was revealed in all its rawness, reminding me how precious shared experiences are and the importance of preserving them.

^{Swiss, at the World Cup Series Hayers 2018. Photo from personal archive.}

But Swiss is Swiss, and like Hercules, the hero of Greek mythology known for overcoming his twelve labors, he rose again, transforming his fate. In those years, the web was still an uncharted territory for us advertisers, something daunting, almost an alien language, exclusively the domain of the bravest "nerds." Swiss, with his intrinsic ability to adapt and renew, decided to dive into this new world, bringing with him his wealth of knowledge. Not only that, but he also embraced sports for the disabled, achieving successes that led him to represent his country in international competitions. Today, Swiss is facing the last of his many battles, and I am there, by his side, supporting him as always. His resilience and ability to reinvent himself remain an indelible source of inspiration that makes me who I am today.

Reflecting on my journey with Stefano, I deeply admire his resilience, which taught me the strength to get back up in the face of difficulty. His ability to transform obstacles into opportunities and creativity in finding solutions outside the box were a precious guide for me on how to face life with determination and open-mindedness.

Thanks for reading @ibesso

I invite: @wakeupkitty @triple-a @sbamsoneu