Dear Future Scholars,
First, let me start off by saying congratulations for earning one of Sport Changes Life’s Victory scholarships. We may never meet in person, but I know that you are extraordinary because you have received this honor. To help you on this incredible year-long journey, I decided to devote my blog this week to write down a few things you may find helpful:
Strangers will very quickly become your friends and family. It all begins at the Sport Changes Life luncheon in New York City where you are introduced to the SCL family and formally meet the other scholars you will be sharing this experience with. It’s crazy to say, but immediately after the lunch is over, you say goodbye to your family and friends and hop on a bus with 20 plus strangers from all over the world to fly across the Atlantic. This is when your adventure begins. For the next ten days, you and the other scholars begin training and preparing for the program at Ulster University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Enjoy this time. These days fly by and it’s one of the only times all of the scholars will be together in one place. Saying goodbye as you depart to your respective universities is tough, but it makes the next time you get to see everyone again that much more special. These people will always hold a special place in your heart.
You are going to make a difference. The kids within your local community will be so excited to meet you and even more excited to have the opportunity to learn the game of basketball from you. This sport can change lives – seriously. It gave you the opportunity to receive this scholarship. This chance you have been given is an extremely valuable one. Be excited to make a positive impact and cherish the relationships you’ll make throughout the year! Every day is a new day to do good, big or small.
This experience will change your life. Yes, you will be over 3,000 miles away from home, but I promise, you will never feel that far away. This experience is truly one-in-a-million. The chance to continue playing the sport you love, pursuing a Master’s degree, and being able to travel the world while making a positive impact within your local community does sound too good to be true, but you have earned this adventure. Be sure to make the most of it every day. Take a ton of pictures and videos wherever you go. That way, you will always have something to remember all the amazing things you did as a Victory Scholar.
To the future scholars, welcome to the SCL family. Soon, I will become a Victory Scholar alum. It is such a bittersweet feeling, but I am excited to see this organization continue to grow and change lives. This program has changed my life and I have loved every second of it. Now, it is your turn to be the best class Sport Changes Life has ever seen.
Do good and be kind.
Faith
