If you have been keeping up with the current NBA Playoffs, last years Playoffs, or NBA basketball in general, it is clear that Steph Curry is a star. His exceptional skills on the court translate not only to more and more wins for the Golden State Warriors, but more and more times Curry can impress with his extraordinary three-pointers. Although Steph has proven to be incredibly impressive, another Curry is taking the world by storm: Riley Curry, Steph’s three-year-old daughter.
From the time she was a baby, Riley Curry has been seen on the sidelines with her mother, Ayesha, adorned in Warriors blue and yellow gear and cheering on her uber-talented dad. Although she kept a pretty low-profile besides these sightings, she decided it was time for a change. The world needed to know who the real star was.
Last year, at the ripe old age of two, Riley made her speaking debut. Hopping onto her dad’s lap following the Warriors Western Conference finals playoff win against the Houston Rockets, she began her full reign of the media. She waved to the reporters, engaging them as a true star would with smiles and laughter. As her dad spoke into the microphone, she proclaimed, “Too loud Daddy! Be quiet!” When she evidently got bored of them asking questions of her dad and the game, she created a diversion, yawning and stretching her arms, evoking laughter from the audience. This performance led to another a week later after another playoff win. This time she surpassed all expectations and in typical Riley form, captured the full attention of the reporters.
Sitting upon her dad’s lap once more, Riley exhibited her ‘tired’ façade by yawning and serving major face. She later handed a bracelet to her dad, asking, “Dada, help me!” to which he obliged. The real moment of true stardom arrived shortly after this moment, when Riley grabbed the microphone and sang lyrics to the popular Drake and Big Sean song “Blessings.” “Wayyyyy up I feel blessed!” she belted. Collectively around the nation, Warriors fans and foes alike fell in love with Riley (if they weren’t already). Looking into my own life, I questioned, “How is a two-year-old cooler than me?” Not only was I in awe of her witty personality and ability to be unapologetically herself, I wanted to be like her.
I wanted (and still want) to be unapologetically myself. I know it sounds funny, wanting to be like a toddler. What does a nineteen-year-old lack that a three-year-old has? The answer to this question is ever-reaching. Riley Curry has exhibited so many qualities that everyone, no matter the age, should strive to have. Riley has shown loyalty, cheering on her dad at every single game, regardless of the outcome. Imagine if we were all like Riley, cheering on our friends and family no matter what- the light and encouragement we could bring to brighten their lives.
Riley is not afraid to be herself. If she wants to pretend to sleep, she pretends to sleep. If she needs her dad’s attention, she gets her dad’s attention. If she wants to sing her favorite song, she sings her favorite song. With no fear of judgment, Riley is Riley. Each of us should endeavor to live like this everyday of our lives. We should all live like Riley Curry.
