#016: To the Next Galway Scholar

Posted By: ThomasRivard
Posted On: May 28th, 2019
Attending: NUI Galway

First off, congratulations for getting to this point! You’ve demonstrated yourself to be a champion in the classroom, on the court, and in your local community.

If you’re anything like me twelve months ago, you’re anxious and itching to get over here, but nervous nonetheless. You likely only know of Galway because of Ed Sheeran, and that’s okay. You’re not alone. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you, but take these words from a complete stranger to heart, if you carry yourself with the same fervor that has helped you secure this opportunity, your time in Ireland will be some of the best months of your life. Do not expect every day to go smoothly. You’ll get caught in the rain . . . a lot. You’ll miss your family and friends back home. Some days you just won’t have the motivation to coach or go to class. But think of it like this: you’ll never regret seeing the smile on that child’s face after making his first basket or doing an extra credit assignment that your other classmates skip. If you attack every day with my fellow scholar’s (shoutout Andrew Curiel) mentality, ‘win the day’, you can look back on your time here proudly with no regrets.

As a Galway-based scholar, your experience will differ slightly from the others. In a small city with large influxes of tourism, housing opportunities are tight; so, not only will you share your apartment with others, you will share your bedroom with someone else as well. Don’t stress about this. Each semester I roomed with a group of American study abroad students, and they were some of the best people I’ve met on this island. With that being said, however, do not limit yourself to just this social network. After all, you’re in Ireland! Immerse yourself in the new environment, and meet new people in class, in university-sponsored recreational clubs, and out drinking in the Latin Quarters.

Unlike some of your peers, you will not be coaching a specific team or group of children. In contrast, you’ll be leaving your imprint across Galway city and the Connacht region. Whether it’s with the St. Michaels and Claddagh National School kids, the Basketball Ireland Regional Academy, or the local Special Olympics club, the Globetrotters, you’ll be exposed to a diverse range of people across a spectrum of racial, religious, mental, physical, emotional, and socioeconomic standing. Their skill levels will vary, and frankly, some will have zero interest in learning the game, but that’s okay. We’re here inspire the next generation using the vehicle of sport as our medium, but don’t stop there. Just as basketball doesn’t define them, it doesn’t define us either. Taking the time to connect with these kids emotionally through shared interests outside the gymnasium can have a more profound impact than any drills you teach them on the hardwood.

Lastly, as you’ve probably seen in your research, the Titans didn’t exactly have the most successful season in the National League. And if I am being honest, it likely won’t be significantly better next season either. The reality is that you’re inheriting a young, very young, team. But don’t be discouraged. For many of our guys, this season was their first exposure to older, stronger, and more skilled competition. Yes, at times it was stressful. It was deflating. After all, nobody enjoys losing. But you’re coming into a tough-minded group, although sometimes too tough-minded (yes, I’m talking to you Ben). There is so much potential amongst these kids, and you just happen to be around during the process of their development rather than their finished products. They’re great kids who are a lot of fun to be around, and while they’ll sometimes reject your criticisms as any teenager does, they’re hungry to learn and improve. Playing alongside them, you’ll be looked at as a role-model and leader, but don’t be surprised to learn more about yourself along the way.

This is what you have signed up for by joining the Sport Changes Life family, and I’m sure you’ll do everyone at headquarters proudly. While you’re here to assist others, you’re also here to better yourself as well. So take advantage of the resources and people around you. Go travel. Try new food. Welcome new experiences. When your time in the program is done, you can’t get it back, so make it count. And if you ever need advice or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact me through social media, or get my contact information from Sam.

 

Stay Updated! Sign up to our newsletter

Stay Updated! Sign up to our newsletter