March 16th, 2016 | Uncategorized
My last Ehoops session with the wonderful girls of the Short Strand community is today. I will always remember these girls for all of the uplifting energy and laughter that they brought to each session. I also will not forget learning Belfast vernacular from the girls during our first three or four sessions. My favorite phrase was “Keep Her Lit” the girls taught me that during one our second sports sessions. I blogged about learning the meaning of “Keep Her Lit” last year and how I just couldn’t stop saying it during our sports sessions. The louder I said ‘keep her lit’ the louder the girls laughed and the harder they ran as we played soccer. In the last seven weeks we have started to bring music and a speaker to each sports session and the girls have taught me a new dance move each week.
Anyone who knows me personally knows that I cannot dance at all so I definitely appreciate all of the dance moves. I would summarize our experience as being very fun with lots of learning. They have taught me dance moves and Belfast vernacular that I will take with me forever but more importantly they have also taught me in the face of adversity to always try and have fun and carry a smile. I have been able to teach them team building skills through sport, how to use sport to bring people from all walks of life together, and the strength of building friendships with people who come from outside of their community. I have confidence that these girls will grow up to be intelligent and successful young ladies.
I feel like it was just yesterday that I was introducing myself to the girls and learning their names. I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to be a role model in the lives of these girls. I wish we had more time to talk about making the world and their community better, dance to their favorite rap songs, and laugh during our sports sessions. “To God Be The Glory”
Present University: Ulster University
US League: East Coast Conference
Club/Community Partner Ulster Elks/ Andersonstown Tigers
Alma Mater: St Thomas Aquinas College
Sponsored By: Teamwear Ireland
