The First Tee and the BRIDGES 21st Century Community Learning Centers afterschool programs have opened a multitude of doors for me. Together they have allowed me to discover and pursue my passion for golf, to meet new people, to see new places, to learn new things and to become a better person.

Through The First Tee program, I have traveled throughout our beautiful country playing golf in tournaments and clinics. The program staff works to instill in all participants an appreciation for nine core values that represent positive values connected with the game of golf. Those values are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. Thanks to First Tee, I try to adhere to those values in my everyday life.

Tiger Woods once said, “you can always become better.” The leaders of the First Tee program have encouraged me to “become better” and this summer, I was chosen as one of five finalists for a scholar award, partially because the BRIDGES 21st CCLC program provided me with a safe place to study and complete my homework.

After high school graduation, I would like to remain involved with the program by giving back. I hope that one day I can encourage youth to “become better” too. The staff at the BRIDGES program showed me how much they care about me and want to see me succeed. Having the five promises (Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start; An Effective Education; Opportunities to Serve) implemented in my life has made me a better person. I can never say thank you enough to those who cared!