Mark Wesley Pritchard
Bio
You can call me Wesley. Former cosplayer, retro gaming fanatic, die-hard Texas Rangers fan, and nostalgic freak. Need I say more?
Threads: @misterwesleysworld
Instagram: @misterwesleysworld
Stories (417)
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The Power of Writing
Whenever we write a story, there are many benefits that come along with it, such as improving your mood, imagination, and building confidence. I started writing stories on Vocal back in 2018 at a time where I was homeless and jobless. When I was in school, one of my special education teachers would give each one of us a journal to jot down anything we wanted to. This was where I fell in love with writing. Before I became a creator on this platform, I lost interest in writing for almost 20 years. During the aforementioned situation I went through, I was also suffering from mental health issues. I had a huge mental breakdown at my previous place of employment earlier that year before my shift was over. I worked 11 hours that day at a call center and we hardly had Saturdays off. The pay was decent, but after I finished my shift for the night, I never returned to that job again. It wasn't worth my mental or physical health and needed to get out of there fast.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Writers
Taking Back My Power At Last
Oprah Winfrey once said, "You define your own life. Don't let other people write your own script." In other words, don't let others tell you how your life should be lived. People want to manufacture a life for you that suits them and predetermine it without you having any say. I'm the oldest child of two immigrants who were from Liberia in West Africa. African parents want you to become either a doctor, nurse, or lawyer. Anything other than those, they'll say that you're a disgrace to the family. When you have parents who are from another country or continent, they set unrealistic expectations on you. They want you top follow the dreams that they want you to achieve, rather than the dreams you want to follow. This kind of abusive and controlling tactic, known as helicopter parenting, happens in several countries, including Asian and African countries. I was born in the United States and as the oldest sibling, they have put the most pressure on me to succeed. I, along with my youngest brother and young sister, were expected to make all A's in all our classes. If we got at least a B or C in one or more of our classes, they would immediately freak out and chastise us. For example, I made A's and B's in school, making the A-B honor roll many times over. On the other hand, my two siblings were in advanced classes starting in middle school and all the way through high school. In fact, my youngest brother skipped a grade in elementary school, because he was so smart. They have since graduated from college and living their best lives. I've cut my sister out of my life in 2020 during the pandemic, because she was making excuses for my parents' abusive behavior. As for how my brother is doing, the last message I got from him was last year on my birthday, via direct message on Instagram. I didn't respond to it, but our relationship is complicated. I wish them nothing but the best. Will a reconciliation between the three of us happen in the future? Maybe, but this seems to be very unlikely.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Humans
The Art of Peace and Happiness
It's been a difficult four years for me: the Covid-19 pandemic, numerous bouts of depression, the loss of a grandparent, and dealing with self-esteem and self doubt issues. They say that life isn't easy and I accept that affirmation. As a kid, I desperately wanted to be happy, liked and loved. In my early adult years, I depended on friends and others to make me happy. I've learned now that the only person that is responsible for my happiness is me. If you've read my previous stories on Vocal, growing up in a toxic and abusive household was challenging. I eventually escaped from my abusive "parents" and was estranged from them in 2012. Fast forward to now, I aim to find happiness within myself by looking for hobbies for the sake of my own sanity and mental well-being. Back in March, I announced on TikTok that I would be retiring from cosplay at the end of this year after 10 years of doing this wonderful craft and attending conventions. I'll always be grateful for the friends and other people I've met. Plus, the memories at conventions will always hold a special place in my heart. I'll always be part of the cosplay community and attend conventions, whenever I'm free. The reasons why I'm retiring from cosplay is because I want to focus more on my writing and pursue other interests. I felt like I've inspired enough people through my cosplays and cosplay videos. Many cosplayers understood my decision to walk away from cosplay and wished me luck on my endeavors. I plan on doing one last cosplay and debuting it at a convention in October. All I can say is that he's a legendary baseball player, a National Baseball Hall of Famer, and won five World Series titles. I'll share snapshots of a Cos Test of my final cosplay soon. If you aren't part of the cosplay community and unsure what a Cos Test is. It's basically showing off a cosplay you're currently working on that is not complete or fully put together yet.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Humans
Addressing Homophobia in the Baseball Community: Part 2
John Rocker. Kevin Pillar. Jarren Duran. Two of these Major League Baseball (MLB) players are still active, while the other has since retired from the sport. All three have one thing in common: they faced repercussions for using offensive, homophobic slurs.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Humans
Addressing Homophobia in the Baseball Community
As Pride Month nears to a close, I wanted to discuss something that I found not only disturbing, but disappointing. 29 of the Major League Baseball teams had celebrated Pride Night at their ballparks every year, but there's one team that currently doesn't and that is the Texas Rangers. Yes, you heard that right. The defending World Series Champions have yet to promote something like this. In the over 50 years that the Rangers have been in Texas, it's sad that this has remained an issue. According to a recent article from NBC5 DFW, MLB Diversity Officer Billy Bean, who came out as gay after his playing career concluded, stated that a Pride Night would take place at Globe Life Field at some point, which is the current home of the Rangers and the site of next month's All-Star Game. As an owner of a MLB team, you can't say that you welcome everyone at baseball games and exclude a certain group of people. It doesn't work that way, it's hypocritical, and you don't practice what you preach. You can't also say that there's events for everyone at Globe Life Field and the organization supports all causes in one breath and exclude a group of people the next. Again, it doesn't work that way. If you want to have an inclusive baseball community, then you have to apply and extend that towards everyone and that includes LGBTQ+ people.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Humans
Finding the Strength and Voice to Come Out. Content Warning.
Greetings, Vocal readers and Happy Pride Month! Almost a month ago, I wrote a couple of stories on here regarding Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker. He gave a commencement speech at a college, where he made disparaging remarks about women and Pride Month itself, which caused major backlash. I've since condemned his comments, which I've described them as misogynistic and bigoted. Even if he did apologize, it would not come off as sincere. When people show you their true colors, believe them.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Families
A Historic Move from Major League Baseball
If you've been a subscriber to my page or supported me in general for the last several years, I've talked about numerous topics that needed to be discussed, from politics to social justice issues. On the other hand, unfortunately, there are those who believe that the country and society is too "woke", whatever their definition of that is. In other words, they're highly against diversity and inclusion for all people and other things: ideas that oppose their own personal views. Before I start the latest news I want to share with everyone, I want to offer the following disclaimer to the easily offended.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in The Swamp
More Thoughts About Harrison Butker. Content Warning.
In my last story about Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker, I shared my thoughts about how his commencement speech at a college sparked outrage. I was appalled by his remarks, calling them bigoted and misogynistic. Now, I have more to say about this ongoing controversy surrounding Butker, as well as sharing words of compassion to two groups of people. If you would like to read my previous story about the three-time Super Bowl champion, you can click the link down below.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Humans
The Excitement of October Baseball
When you think of the month of October, what's the first thing that comes into mind? Halloween? Pumpkin spiced everything? Wrong! When I think of October, I think of baseball. While football is exciting to watch, the MLB Postseason is king. No offense to football, but it will never hold a candle to baseball. Eight teams battle it out to achieve one ultimate goal: to become World Series Champions. The World Series, also known as the Fall Classic, dates back to 1903. Currently, the team with the most championships is the New York Yankees with 27. According to BetMGM, the Los Angeles Dodgers are currently the heavy favorites to win it all. Baseball has gotten a bit of a bad reputation over the years, with people stating that games are too long and boring. Since then, games are a bit shorter. If you're not watching this American sport, especially during the month of October, then you're missing out on all the fun.
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Unbalanced
My Thoughts About Harrison Butker's Commencement Speech
Graduation season is in full bloom. To those who have or about to graduate and start the next chapter in life, I hope you have a long and successful life and career. Your hard work has paid off in an enormous way. Go out there and pursue your dreams and never let anyone or anything stand in your way of excellence. Set your own expectations rather than living up to the ones your parents set for you. So here's to you, Class of 2024!
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in The Swamp
Jackie Robinson: The Man, Legend, and Overcomer
April 15, 2024 will mark the 77th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut in Major League Baseball. Robinson, who was 28 years old at the time, broke the color barrier. The color barrier, or color line as it was called, barred African American players from playing in the Majors and Minors. This ban was in place for 60 years until 1947. So who was this second baseman and why his legacy still has an impact on Major League Baseball today?
By Mark Wesley Pritchard 2 years ago in Unbalanced
