Set Goals and Dream Big

Over the course of the last month, I have accepted the role of being a mentor to a young boy named Jaone in the third grade at Lincoln Elementary School.  I wouldn't have gotten this wonderful opportunity had it not been for Coach Crawford who approached me about it earlier this month.  Coach Crawford is an assistant coach here at UNI for the men’s basketball team and also happens to be my academic coach as well.  He saw that I had a lighter class load this semester, and was curious if I would be interested in mentoring young children in the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area.  He had one child in mind who he thought could stand to learn a lot from me.  It didn't hurt that Janoe was also mentored by Jake Farley during our Fall semester.  I know that I have been a role model for young students in the area, but I never thought about taking on one student at a time.  I didn't even have to put much thought into it, I knew I wanted to help out and give some of my time back to the community. 

Growing up as a young kind, you tend to find people who stand out in the community to look up to.  People who are older that have been through things you've been through can help give you guidance to help push you or motivate you to be the best you can be.  My parents always told me to be better than they were, they always wanted the best for me. My mentors and people who are in my close support circle further push me and remind me that I am in a position to become successful in whatever I do.  They emphasize that I need to be who I am, as well as put my faith first.

Every Thursday I go over to Lincoln and meet with Jaone and we discuss goals that we want to accomplish in the coming week.  I’ll have Jaone say them out loud and write them down, and I do as well.  This way he knows and understands that I’m in this with him and that someone else cares about his success in the classroom.  If he has met his goals then I’ll reward him by going out and playing some one on one in the gym together, or I let him play on his chrome book or iPad. I want him to realize that he needs to set goals for himself and that if he meets those goals he can be whoever he wants to be.

Mentoring has been a learning experience for me as well and I truly love to give back to the community as much as possible in any way possible. I like to give back to the next generation who will come after me. If I can have any effect on them through my experiences in life then I’ll know that I was able to help them become successful.

Creating a Memorable Footprint

The Cedar Valley United Way has always partnered with UNI on their annual campaign. Over the last few years, the commitment and contribution levels haven’t been where they should have been. This year, President Rudd and the university’s faculty/staff members have turned things around. The commitment and contribution levels have increased tremendously as has people’s participation in actually filling out and turning in pledge forms. Along with the President and other faculty staff members, my head basketball coach, Ben Jacobson, has worked to increase awareness throughout the community. He has given presentations, handed out flyers, and encouraged others to get involved by making a monthly pledge. Coach Jake was quoted "My wife Dawn and I are in year 14 both on campus and in Cedar Falls. We feel very fortunate to live, work, and raise our family in such a great place. As we all know, however, it's never the place, it's the people who make the place special".

Growing up myself, I have witnessed companies like United Way who help throughout the community as much as possible with numerous of activities. The United way provides kids and their families with resources and opportunities that without them, many wouldn't be able to survive or be made aware of the opportunities the world has to offer. Just think, most kids in lower income areas, single parents, or parents who are unemployed, don't really get a chance to see what the rest of the world outside of their city has offer them. These people could be compared to a fish in a fish bowl with constraints. They only become accustomed to what's around them or what they see, often unaware that life has many other opportunities in which they may be successful in.

I was recently contacted by the Cedar Valley United Way campaign director, Jenny Graeser, who has lived in the Cedar Valley her entire life. She grew up in East Waterloo and is a UNI graduate, who has worked as the United Way Campaign Director for five and a half years. Sometimes knowing someone like Jenny can go along way. Jenny is a proud alum of ours who cares about others and has seen what it means to have the effect on someone's life. She told me "One of the kids I worked with has never even been or seen anything other than the street he lived on." I have been fortunate to travel many places due to basketball, but I don't take any of it for granted. If I hadn't been involved in basketball, I might have been in a similar situation. I thank GOD for the many blessings I have been given in my life so far.  Jenny has worked for everything she has, which makes success a full-circle and has never forgotten where she came from. Jenny is giving back to her community and enjoys working with people. Recently, Jenny has been busy with helping to raise awareness of the United Way Student Campaign, which is currently going on and ends on November 14th at 5 pm. Students, who don't have money to contribute to the campaign can help out in other ways, such as donating their time and participating in activities. Needless to say, programs such as United Way, have had a large impact on others’ lives, serving the youth in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade. Programs the United Way offers and makes available include: after school programs, Big Brother/Big Sisters, and Boys and Girls Club to name a few. One of the programs the United Way is heavily involved with is the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

            The Northeast Iowa food bank is a funded partner of United Way, which means they financially support a variety of programs. Without the United Way’s support, some of the programs wouldn't exist. The Northeast Iowa Food Bank currently serves a 16-county area, so much food is needed to help families. Their work and reach affects many area families and as a result, is always seeking donations of food or money. Their current project is a Student Food Drive, partnering with seven local high schools to help collect food for families in need over the holidays.

            I have been fortunate growing up to have both parents in my life and not have to worry about where my next meal was going to come from. I do know people in my neighborhood who have been in this situation, which could be due to single parent or living with friends. I know that when people came to my home, my family would always welcome them into our home. My parents knew all of my friends growing up, so they would always tell them that they were more than welcome to stay at our home or come over whenever they wanted. I had a lot of friends growing up due to playing basketball and basketball helped keep us out of trouble. We made sure to stay busy with basketball and held each other accountable. We looked out for each other. Without programs such as the United Way, we may have gotten into trouble and wouldn't have been where we are today.

            As a reminder, the United Way/ UNI Student Campaign is currently going on until November 14, 2014, ending at 5 pm. Students who don’t have money to give should consider volunteering their time and build awareness for this campaign. If you want or would like more information, please feel free to contact Jenny or I and we will be sure to get you involved. Make a difference in your community today!

Watch this video of my coach to learn more about the United Way and its campaign:

http://www.uni.edu/president/unitedway

Resource:
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNIunitedwaystudentcampaign
Visit the Cedar Valley United Way’s website: www.cedarvalleyunitedway.org

Never Forget

This week, I'm going to share with you a story about one of Iowa's own. From Ames, Iowa, Harrison Barnes. Harrison full name is Harrison Bryce Jordan Barnes given the middle name "Jordan" after Michael Jordan, whom Barnes' mother was a big fan of. While growing up, Harrison was known as a hard worker and had much responsibility since his mother, Shirley, was a single-parent raising him and his younger sister. His mother remembers the self-motivation Harrison had while playing basketball at Ames High School. "His whole high school career, he had a handwritten sign that was taped to his mirror that said, 'Hungry and humble,'" she said. "He just always wanted to be humble." "The biggest influence to me was my mom," Barnes said. "She worked extremely hard and she believed in me."

I, personally have witnessed just how humble Harrison is while playing on the same AAU team, the Howard Pulley Panthers, a few summers ago. I would describe him as a competitive guy who is willing to do whatever it takes for his team to win. He never gives up and is willing to let you know he is all about winning, but his off the court presence was the biggest thing that stood out to me. Even though he is now an NBA basketball, he remains as humble as he did in high school or college. He was never stuck up or cocky, but just a normal guy who loves basketball.

Continuing his basketball legacy and his compassion for other people, Harrison is a example of someone who has never forgot where they came from. Shortly before the beginning of his rookie season, he took part in the Back to School Rookie Reading Rally at Sobrante Park Elementary School in Oakland. I myself have participated in a similar program here at UNI. It is a great experience and I am excited to be partaking in it again on November 13^th.

            Today Harrison still considers himself as just a kid from a small town. For every home game, Harrison donates 15 tickets to the Boys and Girls Club, as a participant in this program when he was younger. He wanted to reach out to the Bay Area Boys and Girls Club, where he resides, while not forgetting about his Iowa club. He knew the impact the Boys and Girls Club had on him as a young child, so he wanted to be sure to help others receive and achieve the same benefits and opportunities he has had from the program. Harrison said "I attribute so much of who I am and what I've become to (Iowa) just because it kept me very humble," Barnes said. "It's helped me become the player I am and the person I am". Continuing his connection with the Warriors and the Boys and Girls Club, Harrison helped renovate the basketball court to ensure the kids have the best condition facilities to get better every day. Harrison was quoted saying "Maybe if I had a place like this to practice at while growing up, I would have become a better player than I am today".

Video below:

Below is a video of Harrison and kids playing and going through drills on the new court:

http://www.nba.com/warriors/video/2014/06/09/sfcourtmov-3296701

Knowing that someone like Harrison or myself who cares about the community in which we currently reside in almost as much as we do our hometowns is very important. Without you, there is no us. With all the love and support that is shown to basketball players, the least we can do is give our time back to ensure that we truly do care about others. We're not just basketball players, but are regular people. No matter what talent you were given, you can help to continue to build your community as well. Never let anyone discourage from being the one who is always willing to help others and get outside your comfort zone. For that someone or community involvement you participate in will go a long way.

A quote that has stuck with me for quite some time is, "I will forever remain humble because I know I could have less. I will always be grateful because I know I've had less". -Author Unknown

If you want to read more on how I personally have given back to my community click here. If you’re interested in reading more on Harrison's involvement in the Bay area or his hometown Ames click on one of the links below.

Ticket Donation

Renovated Basketball Court

Pay it Forward

Random Act of Kindness

PAWWSH, which stands for the Panther’s Annual World Wide Scavenger Hunt, is organized through UNI students and is based on GISHWHES. The scavenger hunt is held annually through UNI, and includes participants, both young and old, who want to undertake this hunt. Items on the list are based on amazing and sometimes life-changing activities that will bring smiles and laughter throughout the Cedar Valley and spread worldwide! Besides bringing these core values into people’s lives, we also want to help those who have continuously given their time and talent to help others. We will have items on the list that will involve completely random acts of kindness that you will pass on to others. Each student involved with PAWWSH will have fun and gain valuable leadership experience.

I was asked by my professor to join the team for PAWWSH. I really wanted to participate in this challenge because I was given more exciting news about all the tasks and challenges I was about to complete. So due to schedule conflict, I helped out with a task participants had to complete.  The challenge that I helped with was a 20-second video showing this challenge:  Challenge a UNI Athlete to a game of hopscotch.  The video must show the athlete losing and the athlete must be in his or her full UNI team uniform, including the athlete's name and team in writing, at the beginning of the video. Watch the video below to how I helped both my teacher and fellow classmates complete this challenge. The purpose of the challenge was to show that everyone loses sometimes and the importance of being a team player and a good sport. It is important to practice good sportsmanship in everything we do. It was difficult for me to lose on purpose, because to those who know me, I am very competitive.

Watch my participation in this challenge here:
http://youtu.be/SBKobzNFVh0

Doing a random act of kindness is something many of us should try to do on a daily basis. It doesn't always have to be a monetary contribution or giving time, it can be as simple as giving someone a smile or engaging them in a conversation. You never know what someone else may be going through in their life or what he or she is dealing with. For example, if you're going through a drive-thru, either a fast food place or for coffee, a simple task is to buy the coffee of the person behind you. They then maybe will do the same thing or pay-it forward. You never know exactly the impact you can have on someone's day or life with a small act of kindness.

            Completing a random act of kindness makes me feel good, knowing that I was able to help someone out and possibly make their day better. If someone helps you out, you will be more willing to help someone else as well. By me doing this, it helped the team try to achieve their goal. I would like to encourage you do something randomly and see the effect you have on someone. You should do it not because you think you will be rewarded or praised, but because you want to make a difference. Be grateful every day you wake up and you’re able to do what you can do. Remember, there is always someone who is worse off then you and may not be able to do what you can. Everyone has a weakness, but instead of focusing on the weaknesses or disabilities, let’s focus on the positives/strengths, and pay it forward. So today, tomorrow, or this weekend take part in a random act of kindness!!

My teacher, Marty Hansen, and my peers took 3rd place out of 15 teams and 90 participants.

Have you done a random act of kindness for someone recently? If so Share it with PAWWSH on their website click here. http://www.unipawwsh.com

To read more of my personal community involvement click here.

Making a Difference, One Community at a Time

This week’s post will feature one of Iowa's very own, Kyle Korver, who is originally from California, but grew up in Pella, Iowa. Kyle has done small-town Iowa proud with his basketball successes both in college and the NBA. Outside of basketball, Kyle is very active in his community, wherever he happens to call home during the NBA season. He has made a difference and I wanted to highlight some of the things he has done that have inspired me.

Kyle is the founder of Seer Outfitters, which is a clothing brand that donates 100% of the profits earned to help provide those who are wheelchair bound with a ramp and make their homes wheelchair friendly. Seer Outfitters has a blog that highlights their community involvement across the country. Kyle also has a ministry and wants to help people realize the beauty of God. Furthermore, He has also created the Kyle Korver Foundation, which was founded in 2006, when Kyle first started his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76’ers. The Foundation has hosted several coat drives throughout his career, in addition to helping throughout the community. Education is a very important area for Kyle and he has provided encouragement to area students to excel in their schoolwork and maintain good attendance. While playing with the Chicago Bulls, he partnered with the Chicago Housing Authority to implement a program for kids that would stress the importance of education. Kyle has even taken his community involvement across the country borders, sharing the love of God and his volunteering his time, for example in India during the summer of 2008. The involvement that Kyle, as well as the other NBA players I have featured, have had in their communities, have been an inspiration to me. 

In the future, I would like to start my own foundation and give back to the community I live in such a way. I myself would like to someday create my own foundation and give back to my communities, both in Minneapolis, and in a city where I hope to play in the NBA. . I would like to hold food, coat, and clothing drives at least once a month, providing the less fortunate with resources they need the most at the right time.  In addition, I would like to help children succeed in the schools by providing them with the assistance and resources they need. By providing them with the support and resources they need, we can ensure that they are able to achieve their dreams. I want them exceed expectations and surpass the statistics that say they may not leave their neighborhoods. I don’t want them to grow up thinking they can’t do anything and can’t achieve their full potentials. My idea would be to provide a resource center or community center where kids can come after school lets out to complete homework and receive help. It will also give them a safe place to hang out until their parents are done with work, instead of causing trouble or being on the streets. I think by having this available, the students would be able to avoid becoming involved in drugs, gangs, and crime by providing them with mentors, support and encouragement that they are worth more than they think, and an education. My center would have tutors available for the students to receive help on their homework if needed and it would give them a positive influence. When a person has a positive role model or influence, their perspective may change tremendously because they are receiving support and attention that they may not get at home. This center would also serve healthy food and provide some sort of fitness or activity to ensure that the children have plenty to eat and are getting their daily exercise in order to reduce the obesity rate. I encourage you to dream big and get involved in your community, big or small. It could volunteering your time as a mentor at a local school, donating cans or working a food bank, or sharing your talent. What have you done in your community? Get involved because you will realize the big difference that one person can make on their community, simply by volunteering. 

Thank you for reading this week’s post. For more information about Kyle Korver and the Kyle Korver Foundation, click here. To read more about my community involvement be sure to click here.

Adopt a Panther

In the fall of my sophomore year, I participated in a program we have at UNI called Adopt a Panther. It is a program in which I, and my teammates from the UNI Men’s basketball team, participate.  In this program, we get to visit elementary schools and speak to the kids about a few topics that are important to the basketball team, as well as topics or rules that our coaches constantly discuss with us and expect us to abide by. Usually, we have one of the assistant coaches and two teammates go to the school to speak. 

First, we start by introducing ourselves as well as share a little bit of background about ourselves before we begin the presentation. After introductions, our coach will give us about three topics to discuss and we have to apply it to an off-the-court example and how the subject ties back to basketball. With my teammate and I explaining our own stories, the kids get a different perspective from both of us on how we have managed to overcome obstacles placed before us and make sacrifices that helped us to get where we are today. 

Next, we end our presentation with answering questions from the audience and we then compete in a little game of one-on-one. My coach will select the child who has their hand up first to play against us. The name of the game is the ‘First to Score Wins’. The winner gets the privilege of putting shaving cream all over the face (and usually the hair too) of the loser.  The kids always have fun doing it to a basketball player, who is someone they look up to and maybe aspire to be. After our presentation, our audience, whether it is a single class, one grade or the entire school, will receive a free ticket to one of our games to see us in action.  We are considered the children’s ‘Panther’ that they are adopting.  So whenever they come to the game they can see us in person as well as talk to us after or get a picture or autograph if they like.

Pictured below is one of my coaches and former teammate.

Coach Crawford, Anthony James, and Myself (pictured from left to right)

The purpose of this program is to help continue to motivate the kids to either strive to be where we are currently or even to surpass us in being successful. Meaning never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. This statement is rings true in my life everyday - many people have told me I wouldn't be where I am today, but throughout my life I've had the blessing of continuously having the correct guidance and leadership to motivate me to be the best I can be every day and to pursue my dreams and goals. No matter what other people say, you can do what you want to. There will always be people who are going to have negative criticism, but you have to learn how to use that criticism as motivation and prove them wrong. Once you become successful you can later thank the people who were always there for you, but even more to those who said you would never make it.

I think the kids learn valuable lessons that they can use in an every-day situation they might come across. Also, I feel great knowing I was able to make a kids day by giving them examples of life lessons as well as have some fun with them by playing a little one on one at the end of our visit to finish round out our community involvement.

If I had this program when I was younger I think it would have helped draw more people to my hometown university, as well as give them a larger following. I might have gotten a mentor or “big brother” from something like this as I got older and continue to keep in contact with the players that came to my school. To read more on how to get involved in your community click here.

Do You Remember?

            While growing up, I followed Kevin Durant’s basketball career starting when he was playing at the University of Texas. I didn’t know how involved he was in his community until I starting reading about him and following his social media sites. I think Kevin is a compassionate family man, who puts the needs of others over his own. This is one of the main characteristics I admire about him and I hope to follow in his footsteps to make a difference.

Do you remember the tragic tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City? You may have forgotten, but Kevin Durant made sure his fans, the people of Oklahoma City and the entire state, knew he didn’t forget. He was sure to make his presence known both through volunteering his time with relief efforts and through monetary donations. While reading an article about Kevin Durant, I found out that he has donated over $1 million dollars to American Red Cross through his family’s foundation, The Kevin Durant Family Foundation, which is known to support programs such as after-school, summer, educational, and those for single-parents. Kevin showed his support through Twitter saying "Praying for the victims of the Tornadoes in OKC these last few days. Everybody stay safe!" Kevin also went out into the community and spoke to tornado victims to help keep their minds of what had just happened. He wanted to make sure that the people knew how much he cared for the community physically rather than just monetarily

Click here to see Kevin in action

              

          Durant said, “It’s an honor to play in the NBA, and I hope that I can use some of the attention given to me because of my work on the court to raise awareness and resources for the things that I know personally can make a difference in the lives of kids.”

          Kevin’s quote is definitely accurate as involvement in the community doesn’t stop in Oklahoma. He has used his reputation in the NBA to help other organizations. Kevin knows what it is like to grow up in the inner city and so now he is using his experience to help others in similar situations. His most recent project has been to partner with KIND Healthy Snacks (KIND) to launch a STRONG & KIND campaign that will help redefine what strength and kindness mean in our society.

If you’re interested in donating or reading more about Kevin’s continued efforts in the community, visit his personal website.

By helping out in your community, you may experience what is called a “Helper’s High”. This feeling will make you feel excited about volunteering in the near future. When I volunteer, I felt a sense of contentment knowing that I made in the outcome of someone else’s day. I feel blessed to know that I may have motivated someone to continue to conquer their challenges and reach for the stars. I want to become a role model for someone and it is easy to take time out of your busy schedule, even if it is just for an hour. To you this one hour may seem like passing time, but someone else, that would be the best hour of their day. In the community of Cedar Falls, my hometown of Minneapolis, and my future communities, I don’t want to just be known for my athletic ability. I want to be known for my contributions and positive influence in the community through volunteering.