Blog Archives - Page 13 of 13 - First Tee

Jakari Harris embodies values and lessons from First Tee to help support fellow student athletes

This time of year, many college students are preparing to head to their school and prepare for the upcoming school year. But this year looks different, especially for many student-athletes like Jakari Harris. Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, some universities have made the difficult decision to cut programs from the athletic department. This can be devastating for students who are also losing their scholarships, which means they are now paying for their education. First Tee – Metro Atlanta alum, Jakari Harris, is doing something about it. A graduate of Hampton University and a former member of the golf team, Jakari was disheartened to learn that the golf team’s funding had been cut upon her graduation. She and a few other teammates have since started a funding effort to help those who are affected.

“Because of First Tee, I was able to play collegiate golf and would like that opportunity to be available to athletes at Hampton again.”

Jakari’s act of service is directly rooted in the values she learned while a participant at First Tee – Metro Atlanta. We asked her a few questions about her experience, and this is what she had to say. After being exposed to the game of golf at a young age, my dad started looking for golf programs around our neighborhood. The first chapter I joined was First Tee – Atlanta, but I switched to First Tee – East Lake once I transferred to Charles R. Drew Charter School. The home course was right across from the school, so I could just walk over after classes and practice almost every day.

First Tee emphasizes the fact that participants not only learn golf skills, but also life skills. A lot of the values I hold near and dear to my heart are the very values that were taught in First Tee classes. My personal favorites were integrity and perseverance. Aside from life skills I learned, I also gained a family with First Tee. All of the coaches at my home chapter were extremely supportive to me on and off the course. They went above and beyond, and I consider many of them as my mentors. First Tee camps always presented me with both new experiences and challenges. I soaked in all the instruction I could from every drill and practice session. Whenever I faced a challenge, I referred back to what I was taught earlier and tried to apply it. When I wasn’t successful, I could always ask one of the coaches for help. This is the same way I take on the new experiences and challenges in life. I take the experience for what it is and try to learn as much as I can. Then, I look at the challenges from every angle possible. Because of First Tee, I have no problem asking for help and learning from my mistakes. One of my First Tee mentors is Coach Brittny Lott, and I actually still keep in contact with her regularly. She actually does my hair from time to time. Her love for the Lord pushes me to develop a better relationship with God. She was very patient and encouraging when I first met her. Because of my competitiveness, I would sometimes be too hard on myself when I didn’t perform well during competition. She would give me encouraging words and talk me down. I called her after one of my tournaments in college when I shot a terrible score. I just kept saying “I don’t know why I keep doing this. I know I can do better than this.” She brought up a very good point that will always be in the back of my mind. Things happen in golf that you can’t control. Even professionals have their off days. Instead of reacting to what I scored on the last hole, I can choose to not give up and do my very best from then on. If you can walk away knowing you did your best, that’s all you can ask for.

“My biggest takeaway from First Tee is that family doesn’t have to be blood.”

First Tee coaches have had one of the biggest impacts on my life. They care about each and every participant. Even when I would go to a First Tee camp where I didn’t know anyone, the coaches made me feel so welcome and at home. The relationships I have formed through this organization are priceless. Looking forward, I eventually want to become a professor at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). After graduating in STEM from an HBCU, I know that there are very good students there who just need better resources. I was able to end up where I am because of resources I came across and relationships I developed. I am now in the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Georgia Tech and Emory University. First Tee taught me how to network and keep in contact with the people you meet. Sometimes it’s more about WHO you know than WHAT you know. The core values I learned will help me through grad school and beyond. If you wish to help support Jakari and her fellow Hampton Golf Alumni in their efforts to off-set the lost scholarships and bring the golf program back, visit their GoFundMe page.

“Act as if…” and achieve success in any part of your life

By June Ryan, Guest blogger Last week, First Tee hosted the inaugural First Tee College Scholarship Pre-College Virtual retreat. Our scholarship winners participated in a two-day virtual event where they heard from various speakers on how to tackle the challenges they may face as they step into this next chapter of their life; One of those speakers was Rear Admiral June Ryan. June had a highly successful career in the Coast Guard, achieving many historical firsts for women including the first enlisted woman to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral. She was the first woman to serve as the Military Advisory to the Secretary of Homeland Security and only the third woman in our nation’s history to serve as the Military Aide to the President of the United States. During the pre-college retreat, Rear Admiral June Ryan spoke to the First Tee scholars about “Brain Training for success” and provided tips to retain positive thoughts and how to block out the negative. We loved her session so much that we invited her to share with our readers, some of her tips for success.

June’s Tips for Success

I travel around the country teaching and training more than 64 different success principles, helping individuals navigate from where they are to where they want to be. One of the most powerful principles is “Act as if…” In other words, act as if… you already have graduated from your favorite college. Act as if… you have already won the big tournament. Act as if… you have already landed your dream job. At the University of Houston, two college roommates understood the tremendous power of this success principle. One roommate was an aspiring sports announcer, majoring in Broadcasting. The other had his sights set on playing on the PGA TOUR. The two roommates “acted as if” they were both at the Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament. The golfer acted as if he just won. His broadcaster roommate acted as if he was the sports announcer selected to conduct the interview with the newly crowned champion in the historic Butler Cabin at Augusta National. Despite the self-doubt and feelings of “this would never happen” or “what are the chances” that may have crept into their psyche, these two roommates played out their improbable scene in vivid detail. They “acted as if” it was actually happening. Fast-forward 13 years later, the exact scene came to fruition. At the 1992 Masters, Fred Couples had just won his first Major Championship, and his college roommate, Jim Nantz, was there waiting in Butler Cabin to conduct the interview. Following the interview, the two men embraced, overcome by the realization that they had achieved their most outrageous goal together. History is filled with other individuals who also “acted as if” with unprecedented results. “Acting as if” is more than visualization. It’s putting into motion every possible muscle in your body and creating the neurological memories in your mind of what that achievement would be. Most importantly, “acting as if” is about creating the feeling you would have by achieving your goals. Couples and Nantz created the feeling by using just two chairs in a University of Houston dorm room. What are your most outrageous and audacious goals? How can you begin to “act as if”?

Here are some suggestions:

Want to attend a certain college or university? Create an exact replica of the college diploma. Create the replica with as much vivid detail as possible. Include the name and crest of the university. Add your name and the degree you would be awarded. Complete the diploma with mock-up signatures of the College Dean and University President. Looking to win a tournament? Make a mock-up of the trophy out of cardboard, other craft art material, or print a picture of the trophy. Add your “engraved” name to the trophy along with any other details like your final score. For an added bonus, make a mock-up of the winning check you’d receive if it’s a professional tournament. What if your goal is to earn a million dollars? Why not create a million-dollar bill? Although there is no such thing in the U.S. Treasury as a million-dollar bill, make a mock-up as if one existed. Place your “million dollars” on a bathroom mirror or somewhere where you would see it every day. You can accomplish your most outrageous goals if you begin to put into daily practice this powerful success principle – “Act as if.”

Kelsey Wilson – Class of 2020

Kelsey is graduating from Whitefield Academy in Mableton where he is an “A Better Chance” Scholar, member of the honor society and the Varsity Golf Team. Kelsey will be attending Mercer University this Fall and plans to study Mechanical Engineering.

How FTMA has impacted my life: As a participant of First Tee for several years, Kelsey acknowledges First Tee as playing a significant role in his life. First Tee introduced Kelsey to golf and helped him developed strong enough skills to earn MVP of the golf team at Cumberland Christian Academy as a 10th grader and to play for the Varsity golf team at Whitefield Academy

Kelsey has experience many “firsts” with First Tee. First Tee helped Kelsey get his very first job, caddying for a country Club in Atlanta, and First Tee took him on his first college tour to UGA. Most importantly, First Tee helped to build the perseverance, diligence, and confidence that Kelsey is known for today. In addition, First Tee introduced kelsey to life long friends that share his passion for Golf.

Kelsey is the epitome of a well-rounded student who is dedicated to academics, service and volunteerism. He is a role model for the preschoolers he serves each weekend as well as his peers. Also, he is known for his spirit of service, his friendly disposition and his dedication to anything he does. Over the past few years his volunteerism includes personally raising $2500 for the National Kidney Foundation, hosting and organizing a kidney awareness event in his community, serving impoverished children in Dominican Republic, and volunteering at the Food Pantry in West Georgia.

Kelsey’s achievements include earning the Eagle Scout Rank in Boy Scouts and becoming an Eagle level participant in First Tee. He has remained diligent in his academics and stayed on the A/B Honor roll throughout his participation in First Tee. In 2019 he was induction into the National Honor Society at Whitefield Academy. Last Year Kelsey was honored with the Timothy Award, given to one student per class each year. The award recipient is chosen by students and faculty who collectively select a student who exemplifies outstanding character. Kelsey received the largest merit scholarship that Mercer offers, The Penfield Presidential Scholarship. He is also a recipient of the Future Engineer Award, and the Zell Miller award.

Gabriel Wright – Class of 2020

Gabe is a senior at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. Gabe will attend the University of Pennsylvania and play football for the Quakers. Gabe has earned a number of scholarships, most notably, the Presidential Award.

Favorite FTMA Memory: I have many great memories at the First Tee of Metro Atlanta: Being in the newspaper for PGA Junior League, volunteering as a coach for classes, participating in the National opportunities and winning the 2019 Gabrielsen Cup, are my top.

How FTMA has impacted my life: I have been a part of the First Tee of Metro Atlanta for 10 years and I really appreciate the First Tee being a consistently fun and supportive community! I have learned many priceless life lessons and interpersonal skills, which improved my journey through life thus far, because of the time I spent at the First Tee. Not to mention, I was able to play varsity golf for 3 years and compete in the State Championship, because of my skill development in the First Tee.

Carlton Ward – Class of 2020

Carlton is graduating from Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. Carlton plans to attend a four year university to pursue a career in music.

Favorite FTMA Memory: My favorite memory being involved with the First Tee was during the political campaigns of 2016 where campaign vehicles would drive by blasting loud music and cheer us on from the street as loud as they could.

How FTMA has impacted my life: The First Tee has granted me a skill and connection that I have for the rest of my life. Not only do I have a new ability to play golf, but I have life skills and techniques learned from coaches and a whole new field in my life.

Miracle Goolsby – Class of 2020

Miracle is a senior at Arabia Mountain High School. Miracle will attend Georgia Southern University on the Hope Scholarship.

Favorite FTMA Memory: Golf baseball was fun and it helped me with my hand and eye coordination. I enjoyed traveling to the Master’s with First Tee of Metro Atlanta. Having the opportunity to volunteer with the younger golfers gives me a sense of pride and boost of self-confidence.

How FTMA has impacted my life: First Tee of Metro Atlanta taught me the importance of truthfulness on and off the golf course. I’ve earned several awards in school because of integrity and respectfulness. I’m the captain of my golf team because of the sportsmanship that oozes out of me. Because of the First Tee program I’m an awesome citizen who will help develop others as I continue in this journey called life.

Austin Scott – Class of 2020

Austin is a senior at McEachern High School in Powder Springs. Austin will attend Chattahoochee Technical College – Business Marketing Program.

Favorite FTMA Memory: I have been involved with the First Tee program since 3rd grade and have enjoyed my experience. My favorite memory is when I was selected to go to Washington, D.C. It was a great experience. I got to learn a lot more about other participants in the program it was overall a fun experience.

How FTMA has impacted my life: First Tee has helped develop me into the young man I am today because without it I would probably not have been able to make it to where I am now. The First Tee program isn’t just about golf for me, I’ve been influenced through the program to help me get through my problems on numerous occasions. I have enjoyed being able to experience the game of golf and leadership through this organization. Thanks to everyone involved!

Anthony Ford – Class of 2020

Anthony is a senior at Drew Charter School. Anthony will attend North Carolina A & T on a golf scholarship. He signed his national letter of intent on November 27, 2019 to join the Aggies!

Favorite FTMA Memory: Meeting and bonding with a variety of golfers around the Metro Atlanta Area.

How FTMA has impacted my life: The Core Values associated with the First Tee of Metro Atlanta have transformed my life! I have learned so much more than about the game of golf….I have learned what it means to be a contributing member of society. I have no doubt that what I have learned from the First Tee has made me a better student, young man, and prayfully future PGA professional!

Coleman Alvarez – Class of 2020

Coleman is a senior at Riverwood International Charter High School. Coleman plans on majoring in electrical engineering at Kennesaw State University.

Favorite FTMA Memory: Being provided the opportunity to serve as a Standard Bearer at the PGA Tour Championship.

How FTMA has impacted my life: Thanks to the experiences I have had at the First Tee the Nine Core Values are how I live life.

Devin Aiken – Class of 2020

Devin is a senior at Kell High School. Devin will be attending Morehouse College in the Fall.

Favorite FTMA Memory: Being in my first golf tournament in New Orleans.

How FTMA has impacted my life: First Tee of Metro Atlanta has given me opportunities and advice that have been life changing and some that have inspired me.