Professional baseball player Brett Rodriguez visited Queensbury High School on Thursday, Oct. 16 to talk to the Future Business Leaders of America students.
Rodriguez, who graduated from Queensbury High School in 2016, recently announced he is opening a business called On Deck Athletics, offering personal coaching and training at the Aviation Mall.
He encouraged students to try to improve themselves a little bit every day, no matter their goals.
“Try to get 1% better every day,” Rodriguez said. “You don’t have to do it all today. You don’t have to do it all tomorrow. Let’s just do a little bit to start striving for our goals.”
He recalled his days as a high school student listening to older people talk about how quickly life passes by.
“I feel like three days ago I was in this FBLA meeting,” he said. “I feel like two days ago, I was in college. I feel like yesterday I was playing pro ball, and now I’m here trying to start a business, and I’m coming and talking to you guys. It happens quick.
“I know everyone says it, but I promise it’s going to go fast,” he continued, “so just try to enjoy every moment and try to live to the best of each day and just enjoy it while you’re here.”
Rodriguez encouraged the students to always have a positive outlook on life.
“I challenge you guys to look at every situation that comes your way with that glass half full,” he said, adding, “if you can look at every situation with more positivity and … look at the positive side of things, you’ll have a much more enjoyable life and you’ll invite more positivity into it.”
He also encouraged the students to visualize their goals, write them down and talk about them out loud.
“Thoughts become things,” he said. “If you’re thinking about it, you want it, you pursue it, you go after it, it’s more likely to happen.”