Our friend is winning on Jeopardy! What I learned.

Our Friend Jon is winning convincingly on Jeopardy! There are universal life lessons in Jon's remarkable story.

1. When everything is bleak -- aim for the unimaginable. Jon is a musician and due to the pandemic he is now unable to play music in live venues. During this time of excruciating isolation and uncertainty, he took a risk and stepped outside of his comfort zone. He applied to be a Jeopardy! gameshow contestant. What he found was a path out of isolation and discovered a new community standing by to enthusiastically cheer him on.
2. There is power in sharing. Tell your story. Jon took a chance and invited others on his journey. Last night on national television, he shared with more than ten million Jeopardy! viewers that he is unemployed during the pandemic and the winnings he earns on Jeopardy! will be a financial lifeline. Social media responded with empathy. A chorus of virtual voices identified with Jon's struggle and collectively encouraged him to keep powering on.
3. Find ways to showcase untapped talents. I have always known Jon as an exceptionally gifted musician. I didn't fully understand his impressive command of vast topics from chemistry to geography. I am struck by how much we don't know about people until they are thrust into uncommon circumstances. I will certainly approach all my friends and colleagues now with deeper curiosity.
4. Every story has an arch and there is power in not always knowing. I have absolutely no idea how Jon's Jeopardy! story ends (he is prohibited from telling us). I do know I will be tuning in again tonight -- wringing my hands, nervous with anticipation and wanting nothing more than for our dear friend to continue his incredible winning streak. Jon's recents victories bring much needed joy and levity during a truly difficult time. I am glad he took this step to fulfill a lifelong dream. Regardless of how this story ends, I am proud of Jon for putting his hat in the ring and giving us all something to joyfully celebrate.