There is no other thing more regretful in life than time gone to waste. From an early age, I learned about the importance of putting good use of the time we are given throughout the day. Outside of school time, my parents and siblings encouraged me to participate in enrichment after-school programs so that I would benefit more of my time than staying at home. It lead me to being a part of the program I currently work with, America SCORES NY. The program helped me get through the fact that I had to repeat the third grade by being a part of a team, learning a new sport, pro-social connections with my coach and with the older students that were in the program as well. I believe that the experience I had with my coach and being a part of team is the reason why I decided to go into coaching.
“I believe that the experience I had with my coach and being a part of team is the reason why I decided to go into coaching.”
I am very fortunate to have such a strong and supporting family who honors the values of hard work and dedication. My father would take me to work with him to run errands as a child until I was old enough to actually work at the Bodega. My father and my family served an entire community for over 20 years. Ironically enough, the name of the the bodega was Family Grocery. Because of the way I grew up I have this desire to be an active citizen within my community by coaching soccer and connecting soccer skills with things that relate to life.
“Becoming an AmeriCorps service member gave me the opportunity to master my ability as a coach through Up2Us Sports trainings and professional developments.”
Becoming an AmeriCorps service member gave me the opportunity to master my ability as a coach through Up2Us Sports trainings and professional developments. Working at the organization that helped me get through a tough time at such a young age means a lot to me because I come to work and know from experience that the work we do is helpful for those students who are struggling and need someone positive in their lives. As a sports-based youth development program, I learned that there is a science behind behavior and that a student’s behavior does not define who they are, but instead it is a cry for help. And as coaches we should recognize that those students need probably the most incentives to succeed. Coaching at America SCORES NY. has given me a purpose and it would not have been possible if I had not joined AmeriCorps.
