Summer 2011

This summer was really important for me in terms of getting out and ahead of the game.

What I mean when I say this is that I feel I can capitalize on opportunities given to me in the summer more than the rest year because the stresses of school are not placed upon me.

A big thing for me was getting into the world of work and learning some of the key roles and responsibilities of being an adult, so I took it upon me to find a job. Little did I know this would not be as easy as it sounds, especially as a teenager with little experience and training.

With previous help on writing CVs in school I was able to produce several I was happy with. My efforts took me to the job center where I could gain further help on getting interviews for businesses. I am still in the process of finding a job and also currently seeking training and experience opportunities as well.

I have to admit I would rather sit back and not have to go through the trouble. On the other hand, it is my future I have to invest in and if that means working hard now so that I will be better off later in life it is something I have to be prepared to do.

Basketball in Slovenia

Notwithstanding these concerns basketball, as always, has been a major part of my summer. This year I went to Slovenia for a camp called pro-basketball camp as I was not selected for the European championship team this year.

I was upset but took it as a learning opportunity and a chance to experience other things. The skills on and off court that I learnt in Slovenia were indeed unforgettable.

With L&Q funding I was able to travel there by myself and stay in a hostel for a week cooking and cleaning after myself. It was valuable to experience this independency as it has reinforced that I am an individual with a personal obligation to care for myself and the people around me and that it how I will be able to work effectively in a community.

The camp itself exposed me to all types of players and professional and elite athletes. This was important for me as it reminded me that no matter what level you’re at there is someone out there that is equally as good as you or even better. So there’s no room in the game to be content or satisfied with the level you’re at.