This is going to be the year, right? Whether your goals include getting fit, giving back, starting a business, improving your community, learning a new skill or pursuing your passion, you’ve got this (no matter how many times you’ve said that before).
But if you need a little extra nudge, this year’s Most Interesting People offer plenty of inspiration, from 9-year-old crayon-collecting philanthropist Ella Tryon to Erich Hooper, one of Cleveland’s original urban farmers. There was so much, in fact, we couldn’t fit it all. So here’s a few pieces of the wisdom, motivation and more that got left on the cutting room floor.
Mike Clevinger, Cleveland Indians pitcher: The tie-dyed sunflower cleats the father of two wore during an April home game weren’t meant to make a statement — fashion or otherwise. “I had a really rough rookie year, because I was uncomfortable out there,” he says. “Having the flowers that represent our little girls on my cleats, I can look down and it helps.”
Suncere Ali Shakur, activist: The founder of the Wolfpack Gunshot Response Team has always tried to surround himself with influential mentors, including many who were central to the civil rights movement. “They always taught me that morality really counts when no one is looking. I always hold that lesson close.”
Sarah Horbol, Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon winner: While the Magnificat High School graduate didn’t run her first marathon until 2014, she qualified for the 2020 Olympic Trials. “Back then, a 10-mile run seemed really long to me, and now it’s such a routine distance.”
Chris Webb, poet: The California Institute of the Arts graduate had TV and performance offers in Los Angeles, but chose to return home to make a difference. “I couldn’t just focus on myself when kids were still dying and memorials were happening for young people who didn’t know what was coming.”
Cautious Clay, musician: When the R&B artist got invited to play NPR’s popular Tiny Desk Concerts, he shared the moment with student and alumni singers from his alma mater, George Washington University, by asking them to do the backing vocals. “That’s, to this day, one of the most magical shows I’ve ever played.”
Click here to meet 2019's Most Interesting People.
