started with, “Bro, why are we even here?” or “Who wants to be here?” But, slowly, the groans stopped and the return to campus became the new normal. That being said, 8th grade, what you accomplished this year is nothing short of amazing. I couldn’t imagine going through what you had to endure, and yet here you are and you should be extremely proud of yourself; however, this is only the beginning. Now, I know the year was such a blur that it may be hard to even begin to process it all. In fact, you still might have a hint of resentment, frustration or just pure disappointment and that’s okay. But before you label this year a wash or waste of time, let me share with you why I think it wasn’t. For whatever reason we have this idea that life is supposed to be perfect. Or as y’all might say, “fair”. But let me tell you: just like this year, life, at times, is everything except fair. And this year was simply to prepare you for the unfairness you’ll face throughout your life. And despite me saying this, you may still feel inclined to believe that this year was pointless. And as your coach, it’s my respon- sibility to help you see what you might not be able to, especially during challenging times. From my perspective, this year was necessary. We were supposed to experience everything that we did and I know this because had we not, I would’ve missed out on all the beautiful life lessons you reminded me of. Never forget that even as a student, you are still a teacher. Never underestimate the power of your existence, because if it weren’t for you all, I wouldn’t have been reminded of the power of kindness, perseverance and connection. Now, before you assume that I’m saying all of this to make you feel good on your special day, I invite you to hear my explanation. Most of you know I decided to return home, home being here, two years ago from Boston. Yet what most of you don’t know is just how broken I was. What you don’t know is that I was trying my best to run from the pain or the unfairness of life. What you don’t know is how lonely I felt even while standing in a room full of loved ones. What you don’t know is how badly I wanted to quit. What you don’t know is how I desperately wanted to be someone else. What you don’t know is how I struggled every day to get out of bed, cried in my car before and after work and just how anxious I felt. Why, might you ask? Because life is “unfair”. If it weren’t for you all and this “unfair” year, I wouldn’t have been reminded that kindness and respect have the power to heal all wounds. You reminded me of this by embracing me for who I am, by genuinely asking me each and every day how I was doing, by buying me a gigantic bag full of Reese’s with your
own money for my birthday. You reminded me by giving me your undivided attention every time I asked for it (even though sometimes I had to ask multiple times). You reminded me by the way your face lit up when I attended your games. Your kindness and respect reminded me that I matter; that I am important and that I am loved. Your kindness and respect turned tears into laughter and fear into bravery. Your kindness and respect saved me. Additionally, you reminded me of the power of perseverance. Every day I struggled, I looked at you all. I saw how much it hurt you to have almost everything taken away from you that you’d worked so hard for. I saw the frustration in your eyes of knowing that you wouldn’t have the 8th grade experience that you so much awaited and deserved. Yet, amidst all the pain and frustration, I also saw the creativity in your eyes. Whether it was deciding that wall ball would be the new game of the year or even the way you orchestrated massive games of “Among Us”. I saw your victim mentality shift to one of appreciation and gratitude. And this perse- verance that I saw reminded me to not give up. In fact, it led me to change my perspective. It helped me change my victim mentality into one of a warrior. A warrior who welcomes all challenges no matter how hard they might be. And lastly, you reminded me of the importance of developing lasting connections. You helped me recognize the bond I have with my brother, which for awhile I failed to see. A brother who when I stood in the dark without sight. Stepped up to be my light. See the connection Coach Iljas and I have is 14 years in the makin’, Datin’ back to high school when I rocked braids and a du rag, Because that was cool. A connection that was formed over hoops and music. A connection that’s so deep that regardless of what happens
we’ll never lose it. Again 8th grade, this is a connection that I forgot to see until you reminded me. That no matter what, brothers is what Coach Iljas and I will always be.
Despite all the beautiful lessons you reminded me of, the most impressive part remains that you reminded me of all of this by simply being your amazing selves. You didn’t help me by pretending to be someone else. You helped me by... Walking into a room at 8:30 in the morning and shouting in my direction “What’s up, Coach! Get swole.”
FALL 2021 • RED & GOLD | 23
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