As I spend the holiday season with my friends and family back home, every day has been a trip down memory lane. My numerous after school activities provided the greatest source of amusement. My middle school was too small to have sports so I joined teams at another school in the county. That’s when I met some of my closest friends, scored my first goal, and hit a home run, times I remember fondly.
Looking back, I’m thankful for my mom and dad, who paid for every bat, glove, cleat, ball and shin guard for me and my brothers. My father even coached one of our little league teams. They and our teammates’ parents knew the importance of their kids experiencing the fun, and challenges, of being on a team. The time I spent playing team sports helped me through other facets of my life. Getting progressively better at something I enjoyed reinforced how staying on top of my responsibilities and working hard helped me achieve good grades.
While sports was always my preference, these same feelings and skills can be achieved through other activities like music and the arts. My brother was part of the school orchestra and was able to express himself with his saxophone skills. He was able to play the saxophone because of community funding to our school’s music program. Most of our programs relied heavily on outside resources and volunteer work; every coach, director, and conductor was usually somebody’s relative or neighbor.
These experiences are why I think it is so important for communities to come together and provide the opportunities for all students to develop confidence, responsibility, and friendship. Volunteering, equipment, and community funding are crucial to the success of these after school programs. This time of year is a time to give back to the community, whether it’s your time, or just a few soccer balls. Every bit counts, whatever the amount; anything is possible when everyone comes together to help the next generation.
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