Good Evening TXK
Two of Texarkana’s very own are participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics this year, which is truly mind-blowing!
The talent and drive these two young athletes must possess, to earn a place in the most prestigious athletic competitions in the world, is hard to fathom. They always make it look easy, but we all know it’s not. Jarrion Lawson is a sprinter and long jumper, and Joscelyn Roberson is a gymnast who has been training alongside SIMONE BILES! It is the coolest thing that these two amazing athletes hail from Texarkana. I hope they know how proud all of us in the Texarkana community are of them!
It’s no secret that I’m not much of a sportsperson. In elementary school, my mom took me to basketball tryouts. When we finally got in the car to go home, she very lovingly told me I didn’t have to play if I didn’t want to. And trust me, I did not want to. If I were to be in the Olympics, it would be for the longest time getting ready in the mornings or a honey butter chicken biscuit eating contest. Those are the events where I would shine.
People always told me that I could have been a basketball player with my size and stature (I’m 6'3''). My younger brothers’ lives were completely ingrained in sports growing up. It was woven into their DNA. I sat through ball game after ball game, dreading each one. Fast forward to adulthood, and I remember crying at Parker’s last high school basketball game. I could not believe none of us would ever step foot in another high school to watch him play again. Just like that, time thieves like only time can thieve.
As I’ve mentioned before, my interests have always been in pop culture, music, and entertainment. I’m too busy to take on any more hobbies—learning guitar has kept me busy enough. Life is so much about expressing your individuality and finding things you can commit your time to—things you love, enjoy learning more about, and have a natural passion for. I grew up in Texarkana, a town that revolves around sports and Friday Night Lights. While I have a deep love and affection for that hometown feeling Friday night football games provide, I’d much rather be at the movies than a football game. I asked my brother at a football game once what inning the game was in. Yes, you read that right.
So, let’s take a moment to imagine the Olympics with events tailored for people like me. The longest time getting ready (for a male) competition would be fierce, but I think I could take home the gold. I’d also dominate in a honey butter chicken biscuit eating contest—seriously, someone needs to make that an official event. The mental and physical preparation would be intense. Can’t you imagine the commentators analyzing my biscuit-eating strategy or my pre-event skincare routine? Now, that’s something I would tune in for!
But in all seriousness, I deeply admire athletes like Jarrion and Joscelyn. Their dedication, hard work, and passion for their sports are truly inspiring. Even though I’m not a sports fanatic, I can appreciate the determination and effort it takes to reach such a high level of achievement. That they come from our small town of Texarkana makes it even more special. It’s like seeing your neighbors on the world stage, and it fills me with pride.
The difference between them and me is a great reminder that everyone has their own paths and passions. Even in my career, working for Heritage Home Health & Hospice as a social media manager, I can pursue my passions. I want what I do to engage people, sharing heartwarming moments that touch people’s lives. I aim to add some substance to the often insignificant feeds where people frequently complain about bad restaurant service. I love that in America, we are free to chase and pursue our passions. I hope we will all pursue our endeavors with as much gusto as Jarrion and Joscelyn.
So, here’s to both of Texarkana’s very own Olympians—two incredible athletes putting Texarkana’s name on the map! And here’s to everyone out there pursuing their passions, whatever they may be. Life is about finding what makes you happy and going for it, whether on an Olympic track, in your office at work, or in your living room practicing guitar. See you at the games!
LOCAL EVENTS
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays
Gateway Farmer’s Market
602 East Jefferson
7 am-12 pm
August 3
Texarkana Texas
Farmer’s Market
Courthouse Square
8 am-12 pm
August 3
Washington Community Development Center
Open House
1900 Marietta Street,
Texarkana, Arkansas
12-4 pm
August 6, 7, 8
Texarkana Rhinos Baseball
George Dobson Field
7:05 pm
Aug 7, 14, 21, 28
Weekly Line Dance Class
Texas Elks
6:30-8:30 pm
August 7, 14, 21, 28
Free Wednesday Yoga
Southwest Center
5:30-6:30 pm
August 8-10
48th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival
Hope Fair Park
August 9
Downtown Live at the Gallery
6-9 pm
August 13
Silver 55+ Bingo
Texarkana Public Library
10 am
August 15
Friends For A Cause
10 Year Celebration
417 Olive Street
Texarkana, TX
4-6 pm
August 26
Jordan World Circus
Four States
Entertainment Center
6:30-9:30 pm
August 28
State of Transportation
Patton Room at TC
11:30 am
Live Music
August 2
Paul Holder
& the Hot
Snakes
1923 Banana
Club
8 pm
August 3
Heavy Letdowns
Fat Jacks Oyster
& Sports Bar
8 pm
August 3
Dusty Rose Band
Redbone
Magic Brewing
Company
7 pm
August 10
Rodney Atkins
Hope
Watermelon
Festival
6 pm
August 10
Teazur
Redbone
Magic Brewing
Company
7 pm
August 16
Jerrod Niemann
Pioneer Days—
New Boston, TX
8 pm
August 16
Two Pianos
1923 Banana
Club
8 pm
August 17
Josh Ward
Whiskey River
Country
7 pm
August 24
Trophy Husband
Fat Jacks Oyster
& Sports Bar
8 pm
August 24
Chad Cooke
Band
Whiskey River
Country
9 pm
August 29
An Evening with
Shane and Shane
First Baptist
Church
Texarkana
6:30 pm
August 30
Split Decision
1923 Banana
Club
8 pm
August 31
Jesse Jenkins
Fat Jacks Oyster
& Sports Bar
8 pm
