Becoming a Victory Scholar gave me the chance to make 32 new and unbelievable friends. But the 33rd scholar? Well, he’s been around for a while.
This might be old news to most of you reading this, but Johnny McCarthy and I were teammates, roommates, and best buds for 4 years at Amherst College. After our season ended abruptly on a heartbreaking buzzer beater, we both were hungry to extend our playing careers abroad. More importantly, and the reason we chose the Victory Program, is our passion for teaching the game of basketball, working with kids, and extending our education.
I remember after hearing we both were headed to Ireland as Victory Scholars, I excitedly asked John where he was stationed for the year- hoping he would be close. “Carlow”, he said: “Just south of Dublin”. Initially, I was worried it was too far from Belfast (about a 6 hour bus ride) and I wouldn’t be able to visit that often. Luckily, that hasn’t been the case. I have been down to Carlow a few times, and each has been more fun than the last. We explored around Carlow, hung out with his teammates Armand and my personal hero Kaz (if you haven’t read Johnny’s blog on Kaz, you need to… – http://sportchangeslife.com/2019/03/monday-motivation-kazuhiko-yokoyama/ ), and even took part in a IT Carlow ugly Christmas sweater get together. Johnny came up to Belfast to watch the super bowl, and we’ve explored Dublin and Cork together a few times.
There’s no doubt I would be more comfortable if Johnny was here at Ulster, and it would certainly be a blast, but we in large part came to Ireland to step out of our comfort zones and grow as people. I think every scholar would agree this experience has done that for all of us and more.
I know Johnny and others will read this and call me soft, but it’s truly been a dream come true to have him here. Some days are tougher than others. Every now and then, it’s easy to feel homesick and far away from everything that seems normal. Having a friend like John right down the road has grounded me on those not-so-easy days. Hoping we will have a few more chances to explore this island before its all over!
PS: John, if you’re reading this, don’t let it swell up your head… Ulster Elks are coming for you in the playoffs.
