I remember Ben Hinamanu from high school. He was a cool guy. A talented athlete. Funny. Popular. I remember a birthday party where Ben started cracking up at my dance move, because I was just moving my knees together in a circle, but it looked ridiculous. I thought I was hilarious, too, and cool, because a senior football star thought I, a little baby sophomore, was funny. So we were friends, in my book.
Five years later, Ben is a published author. He is the creator of the clothing company SCOW (Success is Coming Our Way). He played for the very successful Ferris State football team, winning 25 regular season games and two GLIAC Championships. And in two weeks, Hinamanu will be a graduate of Ferris State University. He explains himself as, “a crazy dude that loves coming with ideas and implementing them into real stuff.”
His book, Side Notes of Growing Up, gives insight into who Ben is, who he used to be, and the world he envisions for all of us. It’s uplifting, motivating, and personal. His incredibly intuitive perceptions on life are thought provoking and create self-awareness. Hinamanu’s honesty is refreshing. He emphasizes the importance and simplicity of empathy and love, kindness and understanding. His book is a collection of pep talks– for the world. Side Notes is worth the read, but if you don’t get the chance, or if you just need some reminders– 15 inspiring quotes from the book are below.
- “Weird how pedestrians watch where they walk, but never talk to those who sit.”
- “It scares me to think how our society has become a melting pot of immigrants while also becoming a melting pot of ignorance.”
- “All of these things scare me, yet inspire me. Fear inspiring action.”
- “Love creates strength.”
- “Thankful for people that don’t need to ask questions for you to give them answers.”
- “Been looking around lately at how they all have time for themselves, but rarely have time for each other.”
- “The love that’s offered our way never finds us because we hesitate on accepting anything real.”
- “I don’t know if you’re seeking help or attention but regardless my compassion overwhelms my concern”
- “We can’t find happiness because we can’t find us.”
- “That if people learn blind love, and educated trust that we can help each other, help each other. “
- “The glass isn’t half empty or half full. The glass has become dirty due to all of the hands grabbing to check how much has been left.”
- “Blind passion confuses minds. Blind love keeps us warm.”
- “People deserve somebody to believe in you when you don’t believe in you.”
- “Right now you’re where you’re supposed to be in life.”
- “I might not know your name but take my hand. Let’s create positivity.”
Ben may be closing a chapter in his life with the graduation of college, but his journey is only beginning. Thank you for pursuing your dreams. Thank you for reminding us all that we are capable of being better.
