Living here for almost two months and continuously adjusting while living and learning each day, I’ve found that I am constantly reminding myself of a few words that keep me thriving
Patience and Perspective
Patience: It’s a virtue that time and time again I used to tell my sister Maura that I truly did not obtain (I like to think its improved tenfold since my arrival). So, when I’m sitting on a crowded bus (that doesn’t entirely smell like Mom’s fresh laundry) that I almost missed because the timetable was off – or on time if that’s 12 minutes late- in a sweat that I won’t make it to my coaching session on time, it’s safe to say that my patience is surely tested. Or when I arrive to the Cork Garda office for the third time in two weeks and get there early enough (6:30am) to be first in line, only to be sent to the back of the queu because we “loitered” too long in the foyer (sincerest apologies sir, it’s pretty nippy outside and your doors were open, didn’t realize we weren’t allowed to sit in the lobby to wait! And yes, you can consider this my Trip Advisor review) Or when my team is battling in a game against girls twice their size and 4 times their skill level, and unfortunately face a 97-3 loss, and I stand dumb funded on the sideline as a competitive coach who probably takes coaching a bit too serious…patience, again—tested.
But its times like this, when my patience is short, on the bus, in the Garda, or on the sideline when a small reality check quickly compels me to change perspective and improve my attitude. It’s the little kid on the bus who smiles wide when he sees my shirt that says “Victory Scholar” and asks me about Sport Changes Life, or the other struggling foreigner in the Garda office who is also laughing at the absurdity of being sent to the back of the queu, or the parents of my u12 girls who tell me their kids didn’t care about the score because they were just so delighted to be on the court playing a sport they love, that I am positively reminded that the opportunity at hand is much greater than small instances that might test my patience, and that the rewards of my daily experiences of Sport Changes Life are much greater than the frustrations. So, ultimately, as my dad always says: Attitude is everything, and with that, patience and perspective are key.
Phamily
-a large part of what enabled this Victory Scholarship experience is my family (with a PH, but not because they’re basic) The endless love, support, motivation, encouragement, (should I go on?) both my parents and siblings continuously provide me with is what still inspires me on a daily basis. Whether it’s a thoughtful card or package from one of my sisters who I know are extremely busy with school or work, a snapchat from one of my cousins at a family celebration in Hawaii over 7,000 miles away, an extended FaceTime, or simply a text to “check the pulse” my family never fails to make my day. So, quick shout out to the fam—Mom, Dad, Eileen, Anna, Paul and Maura-thanks for being my rock, know that your work at home continues to motivate and inspire me on a daily basis across the Atlantic.
oh, and one more thing…
Phun
With all that goes on in the life of a Victory Scholar, it’s easy to forget to simply enjoy the experience. The college work will get done, the hard work will be worthwhile, the kids will be happy and fulfilled. Smile – life is good, have FUN! 🙂
“It’s not sarcasm, it’s character”
-Coach Mark Foley
