From the Bronx to Pinehurst: George’s Journey to First Tee
Born and raised in the Bronx, George’s life journey has been one of ambition, adventure, and deep-rooted values. After earning a business degree from Iona College, George stepped into the fast-paced tech world with NCR Corporation, where he sold early computer systems on Wall Street, right at the heart of the digital revolution.
His career flourished as he moved into leadership roles, eventually leading national sales teams and even purchasing his own company in the D.C. area. The business focused on marketing hardware, software, and supplies to architects and engineers. After years of success, George sold the company in 1984, later relocating to Florida, and eventually settling in Pinehurst, North Carolina!
George was married to his beloved wife, Catherine, for 44 years. Together, they raised two incredible children, Amy and George Jr., both proud graduates of the University of Maryland. Family has always been at the heart of George’s story.
In 2021, George joined First Tee – Sandhills shortly after moving to Pinehurst. With a long history of coaching youth sports like basketball, baseball, tennis, and soccer, he was already no stranger to working with young people. But it wasn’t just golf that drew him in…it was the mission behind the game.
For George, what keeps him coming back isn’t just the impact, it’s the people.
“It’s the energy and heart of the First Tee staff that keeps me coming back. Their genuine passion, positivity, and dedication to making every participant feel seen, valued, and excited to show up—it’s truly inspiring to be a part of.”
We’re so thankful for volunteers like George who bring not just experience, but a deep commitment to helping kids grow on and off the course. We’re lucky to have Coach George helping shape the next generation through character, confidence, and a whole lot of fun on the course!
We’re thrilled to share that Hailey Price—one of our own outstanding Junior Volunteer Coaches at First Tee – Sandhills—has been named a recipient of the 2025 Peg Kirkpatrick Girls Golf Scholarship, awarded by The Silver Foils, Inc., one of the nation’s pioneering women’s amateur golf associations!
A standout both on and off the course, Hailey is a Pinecrest High School senior with a 4.5 GPA, president of her school’s Key Club, National Honor Society member, varsity golf athlete, and a dedicated volunteer with our First Tee chapter. She also leads community programs like Tales and Treats at Given Memorial Library, blending storytelling and baking to inspire young minds.
Please join us in congratulating Hailey on this incredible and well-earned achievement. Her leadership on the course, commitment to community service, and drive to make a meaningful impact through education and mentorship are exactly the kind of qualities we strive to foster at First Tee – Sandhills. Hailey embodies everything this scholarship stands for and more…integrity, perseverance, and a deep love for the game. We are beyond proud to have her as part of our First Tee family and can’t wait to see the amazing things she’ll accomplish as she continues her journey at UNC-Chapel Hill and beyond. The future is bright with young leaders like Hailey carrying the torch forward.
If you’ve spent any time at our “Just Fore Girls” class on Course No. 6, chances are you’ve seen Hailey in action. Bringing energy, encouragement, and a deep passion for the game to every session. A Pinehurst native, Hailey’s golf journey started early and has only grown stronger through the years.
Rooted in the Game
Golf has always been at the heart of Hailey’s life. From playing on both her middle and high school teams to spending the past four years coaching with the LPGA’s Girls Golf program in Whispering Pines, her commitment to the sport runs deep. Last summer, she joined the First Tee – Sandhills family as a coach, helping lead three of our summer camps. And from the start, she was hooked.
Bringing the Energy at Camp
What stood out to Hailey right away? The creativity of our lesson plans, the high-energy atmosphere from both coaches and kids, and the genuine excitement everyone brought to the course each day. One of her favorite memories happened during a girls’ camp last summer when a sudden downpour moved the day’s activities indoors. Instead of slowing down, the girls rallied. Laughing, crafting, and connecting in a way that reminded Hailey just how powerful golf can be in creating lasting friendships and confidence.
Making Meaningful Connections
For Hailey, the game has always been more than just a sport. It’s a tool for growth, a space for connection, and a way to build community.
“Golf really has the power to bring people together—whether it’s teammates, coaches, or a group of kids just starting out,” she says. “There’s something special about the connections formed on the course, and I’ve seen firsthand how the game builds confidence, friendships, and a sense of community.”
Mentorship in Action
Today, Hailey continues to share that passion through her work with our “Just Fore Girls” class, helping a new generation of golfers discover their own strength and spark. She’s not just teaching swing technique—she’s showing young players how to believe in themselves and one another.
We’re so grateful to have Hailey as part of our coaching team at First Tee – Sandhills. Her dedication, heart, and belief in the power of the game are shaping the next wave of game changers!
Mark’s golf journey began at just 10 years old in Cleveland, Ohio. Back then, he was “shagging” balls for his dad using a baseball glove—a simple start that sparked a lifelong passion. By age 13, he had stepped into the world of caddying, a path that lasted seven years and led to some incredible memories, including carrying bags for National Long Drive Champion Evan “Big Cat” Williams and the legendary Byron Nelson.
From Golf Getaways to a Life in Pinehurst
After many years of annual golf trips to Pinehurst, Mark made the dream a reality when he retired and moved to the area full-time in 2013. Surrounded by the game he loves, Mark eventually found his way to First Tee through a fellow coach—and hasn’t looked back since. For him, it was the perfect way to stay connected to golf while giving back in a meaningful way. Since 2023, Coach Mark has been a dedicated volunteer with First Tee – Sandhills, bringing patience, energy, and heart to every class—especially when working with our youngest golfers. You’ll find him most often with the 5 and 6-year-olds, where his calm presence and encouraging words help our littlest participants grow in confidence and love for the game.
Coaching with Heart and Purpose
Whether he’s helping a player line up their putt or cheering them on after a solid swing, Mark finds joy in the little moments. He’s especially passionate about helping new golfers build confidence and develop their skills in a fun, supportive environment. “Being able to impart the First Tee’s life skills and values to young minds is why I continue to coach and support the organization,” he says.
Making Smiles, One Swing at a Time
For Coach Mark, it’s not just about golf—it’s about the joy that comes with growth. “My favorite moments are every time I see the excitement in a player’s reaction when they connect on a good shot and see it sail to its target,” he shares. “Those huge smiles make it all worthwhile for me.”
We couldn’t be more grateful to have Coach Mark as part of our First Tee family. His kindness, wisdom, and dedication make a lasting impact on every young golfer he meets. Thank you, Mark!
Max Anderson’s journey with First Tee – Sandhills has come full circle. Growing up in Laurinburg, NC, Max first experienced the program as a young participant, developing a love for golf that would shape his future. When his family moved to Pinehurst in 2019, his passion for the game continued to flourish. Along with his growing love for golf, one thing remained constant—his enjoyment of an ice-cold Orange Fanta, a course tradition that has stood the test of time!
From Player to Coach
It was around the age of 10 that Max realized golf was more than just a hobby; it was something he truly loved. The lessons he learned at First Tee—perseverance, confidence, and goal-setting all stuck with him, shaping both his game and his character. Now, as a Junior Volunteer Coach, he’s giving back to the program that gave him so much.
Making an Impact
For Max, coaching isn’t just about helping young golfers refine their skills—it’s about building connections and watching kids grow both on and off the course. One of his favorite parts of coaching is seeing participants step out of their shells and gain confidence. “I hope to leave a lasting impact, inspiring kids to work hard, believe in themselves, and see just how much they can achieve—both on and off the course. I hope the kiddos know that with dedication and heart, the sky’s the limit!” From player to coach, Max embodies what First Tee is all about—helping young people build confidence, develop skills, and achieve goals they once thought were impossible. We’re lucky to have him as part of our team!
Growing up in a small farming community in Michigan, Mike James was surrounded by the values of hard work, teamwork, and community spirit. Sports played a huge role in his upbringing, and from an early age, he developed a deep love for golf. Whether it was competing with friends or practicing his swing, the game quickly became a passion that would stay with him for a lifetime.
After graduating high school, Mike took a path of service, enlisting in the Marine Corps before joining the Fire Control division of the U.S. Forest Service. While attending San Diego State University, he continued his commitment to public service, eventually transitioning into a career as a park ranger. Over the course of 40 years, he dedicated himself to protecting and preserving the beauty of Washington State Parks, ensuring that future generations could enjoy the great outdoors.
A New Chapter in Pinehurst
In 2020, life brought Mike to Pinehurst under unexpected circumstances. After the passing of his wife, his daughter—who owns a home in the area, encouraged him to relocate and start fresh in a community known for its rich golf culture. Embracing the change, he settled into the Village of Pinehurst with his loyal Yorkie, Jackson, by his side.
For Mike, staying active and engaged was essential. With decades of experience mentoring young athletes, he sought an opportunity to continue making an impact. When he learned about First Tee – Sandhills, he immediately knew it was the perfect fit.
Making a Difference Through First Tee
Mike had always found joy in teaching sports to younger generations, but First Tee provided something special. A chance to not only share his love of golf but also help kids develop confidence, perseverance, and life skills along the way. Each program day became a highlight of his week, offering a sense of purpose and connection.
“I get such a sense of joy when I see a young person have an ‘AHA!’ moment—when they finally hit a golf shot they never thought was possible,” Mike shares. “At the end of our program days, I come home feeling energized and in a better mood. And, of course, my Yorkie, Jackson, thinks it’s time to play, making for a perfect day!”
A Legacy of Mentorship and Fun
Even in his 80s, Mike continues to prove that the love of the game, and the joy of giving back, can last a lifetime. His story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact a dedicated coach can have on young lives. Whether he’s guiding a nervous beginner or celebrating a child’s first great golf shot, Mike knows he is shaping more than just swings…he’s helping build confidence, character, and future game changers.
Through First Tee – Sandhills, Mike has found not only a way to stay connected to his lifelong passion but also a meaningful way to contribute to the next generation. His enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication remind us all that volunteering isn’t just about giving…it’s about growing, learning, and finding joy in the moments that matter.
For the past five years, Shreve Johnessee has been an invaluable part of First Tee – Sandhills, bringing his deep love for the game to our 12+ groups. His passion for golf began at the age of 10 in York, PA, inspired by his parents, both avid players. From high school golf to summer rounds, the game remained a constant in his life—even throughout his career as a dentist (because, as he jokes, “everyone knows every dentist plays golf!”).
Upon retiring, Shreve made the perfect move—to Pinehurst, the Cradle of American Golf. With a lifelong appreciation for the sport, he knew he wanted to give back. That’s what led him to First Tee, where he helps young players not only develop their golf skills but also build the values that make the game so unique—integrity, self-discipline, and personal growth.
Shreve’s passion for mentorship is evident in every session he leads. Whether he’s refining a teen’s putting technique or sharing stories about the lifelong friendships golf has given him, his goal remains the same: to spark in young people the same love for the game that has meant so much to him. We’re beyond grateful to have Shreve as part of the First Tee – Sandhills family. His dedication, warmth, and passion continue to inspire the next generation of golfers!
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Kelly spent majority of her adult life in greater Washington, D.C. There she invested forty years working in government relations and political advocacy at the federal level.
Kelly and her husband, Jack, have always enjoyed the game of golf. Throughout the years, they travelled to countless golf courses and tournaments all over the world, but nothing quite compared to the charming Village of Pinehurst. After three visits to the area, Kelly and Jack bought a condo on Lake Pinehurst where they made lifetime memories with family and friends for the next 17 years. Upon retirement, they could not imagine a more perfect place to settle than the Sandhills of North Carolina.
Once settled in their new house in Southern Pines, Kelly went straight to First Tee – Sandhills to see how she could get involved. Both Kelly and Jack had volunteered with First Tee – Greater Washington, DC and she wanted to continue working with the organization. Since 2013, she’s supported the chapter’s efforts in countless ways — from fundraising, event planning, gift procurement, and data processing; to volunteer recruitment and day-to-day office work. She’s continually inspired by working alongside Courtney and her team, who are passionate about the First Tee’s mission and dedicated to the young people they serve.
“I am always energized by being in the office with Courtney and her enthusiastic and dedicated young staff. They are all so dedicated to their craft, the mission of First Tee and, most of all, the youngsters they are serving. It is heartening to see such good work being done for so many young people in our community. They are truly building game changers! I am honored to be a small part of their efforts.”
Kelly – your support, enthusiasm, guidance and can do attitude ensure we are always working to accomplish our lofty goals here in the Sandhills. When we are tired, you lift us up; when we miss a target, you help us recalibrate for the next one. Thank you for being our person for the last 12 years. XOXO.
Steve Felice and his wife, Pat, hail from Upstate New York. After an impressive career as Senior Vice President for one of the largest global mining companies, Steve retired in 2022. To celebrate this new chapter, Steve and Pat embarked on a cross-country road trip. One of their stops was Pinehurst, where they volunteered for the U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club.
During their three-week stay, Steve and Pat fell in love with the Sandhills area and made the big decision to relocate. Later that summer, they bought a home in Pinewild. Steve had a strong desire to stay involved in his community and expressed interest in volunteering with First Tee – Sandhills to his realtor, Jennifer Nguyen, who happened to serve on the Board of Directors for First Tee. Through that connection, Steve met with Courtney, and his volunteer journey with First Tee – Sandhills began just a few months later. Steve’s dedication and enthusiasm have made him an invaluable part of the First Tee team. He’s passionate about helping young golfers develop both their game and their character, and we’re so grateful to have him on board!
“The work with First Tee has been a fantastic experience and exactly what I was looking for. The First Tee team and my fellow volunteers, mentors and coaches are wonderful, caring people who live the values and mission of First Tee. Over the past two years supporting First Tee, the picture that comes to mind when I reflect on my time is simply the smiles on the faces of the kiddos — when they show up and when the go home after the sessions!”
By Kristin Westberg, Senior Director of Curriculum and Education
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”― Theodore Roosevelt
At First Tee, coaching involves far more than just teaching golf skills and life skills in a class; it’s about cultivating relationships that foster growth, build confidence and demonstrate resilience. But how can coaches create a foundation of trust that cultivates legitimate relationships with participants? Empowering Youth, one of the First Tee Coach Building Blocks, focuses on this aspect of development and is one key to building relationships that create impact.
Trust is the foundation
Eighty-three percent of parents wish their child had more access to trustworthy coaches. Trust forms the bedrock of any enduring coach-athlete relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, facilitates effective communication, skill development and overall progress. All First Tee coaches are background checked and formally trained to connect with participants, whether they’re passionate golfers or just trying something new. They prioritize building trust early on to establish a strong foundation that can lead to a lasting connection.
Positive role modeling
Ninety-two percent of parents say they hope their child has a coach who they would consider a role model. First Tee coaches serve as mentors and role models for participants. They lead by example and demonstrate the values they expect from participants. Kids are far more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say, and coaches recognize this as an opportunity to positively model both golf skills and life skills that can be applied on and off the course. Coaches are committed to Building Game Changers, work hard to embody the Key Commitments, set a positive example of pursuing goals, grow through challenge, collaborate with others, build positive self-identity and use good judgment. These behaviors help to build trust and foster connections with participants of all ages.
Continuous improvement
Fifty-three percent of parents say having a trustworthy sports coach or mentor would increase their likelihood to commit long-term to the activity. First Tee coaches understand that building meaningful connections with participants is an ongoing process, and the First Tee curriculum exists to support them through that. First Tee offers a variety of eLearning courses and supplemental resources, as well as HQ led trainings to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills, such as understanding the stages of youth development or tips and tricks for tackling skill disparities. These practices improve the learning environment in a class and create opportunities to develop relationships and strengthen connections with participants.
Ninety percent of parents believe that coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development. A coach’s influence extends beyond the course and long after the round ends. Genuine connection matters when building the coach-participant relationship and even more when building game changers. At First Tee, we recognize that when participants know you care, they’ll care what you know and that’s when true learning and growth happens.
The statistics used throughout this story are from a new study between First Tee and Harris Poll. Visit the Character Gap research to learn more.
Q&A with a Coach
Sterling Simmons III is a First Tee alumnus and the player development instructor at First Tee – Greater Richmond. In that role, Sterling leads First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy, First Tee matches and oversees the organizations PGA Jr. League teams.
How did you get involved with First Tee?
My father took me to the First Tee Greater Richmond driving range when I was younger, and I met my first golf coach Craig Wood. I’ve stayed involved ever since.
Why do you continue to coach?
I enjoy being able to be a part of the development process for our participants, both on and off the golf course.
What have you learned from coaching at First Tee?
First Tee has taught me that each participant is unique in their own way and as a coach, you have to be able to adapt how you teach to match the participant.
What do you think new First Tee students should know?
The course of life and the golf course are very similar. You will be presented with obstacles and challenges along the way, but the ability to navigate and overcome adversity will help you in the future on both of these “courses.”
What do you think new/inquiring coaches should know?
You don’t have to be a great golfer to make an impact on a participant’s life.
Parents rely on sports – and trained coaches – to help their children build character and learn life skills, including working with others.
CHICAGO, Ill. & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2024) – While 93% of parents agree that kids can learn important life skills from playing sports, four out of five parents also believe there is a shortage of high-caliber coaches today.
That is from a new survey by global consulting and market research firm, The Harris Poll, and youth development organization, First Tee. The U.S.-based survey was conducted online in April 2024 with feedback from 2,049 adults.
The survey captured data on youth involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. The data was also analyzed by gender, age, race, education, and income, among other characteristics.
“Since our mission is centered on positive youth development, we think it is important to seek parents’ perspectives as the world around them continues to change and their kids face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It helps us better understand and serve youth, and in the case of this study, it reinforces the importance of our investment in training our coaches.”
First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. The training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. As part of First Tee’s onboarding, each coach is background-checked and completes training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport.
The key findings from the survey include:
89% of parents feel character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society – an increase of +4 percentage points from the 2023survey. Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles. Parents understand that need, as nine out of 10parents seek opportunities for their kids to build character.
Parents believe sports can help close the character gap. Parents put their kids in extracurricular activities – with sports being most popular – for socialization and to build confidence. According to 93% of parents, children learn important life skills from playing sports.
Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development. Parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, self-confidence, determination and leadership. 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire children to excel both on and off the field.
Safety is critically important to parents. They prefer coaches who have been background checked, with 94% of parents citing it as a priority in today’s world and 83% wishing their child had more access to well-trained coaches.
“While every generation confronts their own unique challenges, kids are facing new barriers to character development,” said Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson. “Our research findings make it clear: Parents, when registering your kids for the upcoming school year, don’t forget the critical development that comes outside the classroom.”
This is the second annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.
For the results of the 2023 parent survey, click here.
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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About The Harris Poll The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing.
### MEDIA CONTACTS: Annika Mayers, First Tee [email protected] 904-273-3513
Addison Bidoli, a rising 10th Grader at Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville and a First Tee – Sandhills participant, was selected as one of 72 teens nationwide to attend the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis this past month. The seventy-two teens from across the country attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. where the teens participated in important conversations on topics like inclusivity and community building facilitated by RISE, a national leader championing social justice in sports.
Here is Addison’s Recap from the experience:
Day 1 Recap
I arrived Tuesday, July 9th. In the airport, I met an amazing group of people who I stayed close with the entire trip. We settled into the dorms, and started to get ready for the welcome reception. Before the reception, I met my roommate who was very sweet and we instantly got along! Between these events I began to meet the other participants and tried to get to know everyone I could.
At the reception after dinner, I sat with 3 other girls who I got to know, one of the coaches, and NFL hall of fame-r John Randle. We then had a few individuals go up and speak at a panel where we learned from people with different experiences and careers about inclusive leadership. We got to experience different perspectives and ultimately learned the importance of being an inclusive leader in the workplace.
Day 2 Recap
The next day we woke up and ate breakfast at the cafeteria on campus, and then left for Highland National Golf Course to play some icebreaker golf activities. My group started off at the chipping station. The intent of the game was to help build our confidence and I really enjoyed it! Our next station was full swing. We were asked to aim for a target out on the range and each target was paired with a unique question that I answered and discussed with my partner. It was exciting to learn more about the other participants and their past experiences. The last activity we attended was putting which was my favorite station of the day. We rotated around the green where we had to complete a different task at each hole.
We then ate a delicious pasta lunch and went back out to the course to play a few holes. I was partnered with three participants I had not had a chance to mingle with yet. I was able to make three new friends while growing my confidence!
After our morning golf activities, we went back to campus for our first lecture! It was with the RISE program. This had to be my favorite workshop of the whole trip! Our instructor was very engaging and easy to listen to. At the workshop, we were assigned to write 10 things that describe our identity. We rotated around the room and read our list to another participant, who then ripped off a word from the list that shouldn’t define us. We continued moving around the room and deleting words from our list until only one word was left.
I really enjoyed getting to listen and learn about the other participants and myself as well. The opportunity provided a fresh perspective to how you view yourself and what defines you.
After the workshop, we ate dinner at the cafeteria then started one of my favorite activities, the scavenger hunt. We had a list of items to find around campus, such as finding a building with a prime number or finding a map and taking a picture of our group in front of it looking lost. I loved getting to explore the campus like a student alongside an amazing group of people! Everyone was so kind and fun and we all got along so well. Our chaperone was awesome and added an exciting energy to the group.
Our day was coming to an end, and we made our way back to our sleeping arrangements. We stayed up for a while talking about everything we had done and learned throughout the day, and then said our goodnights to one another. After all the excitement, we were all tired and fell right asleep!
Day 3 Recap
After a good nights rest, we kicked off the morning at the golf course. We were split into groups of five and sent out on course to play a few holes. I was able to meet two new people and continue growing friendships with two other individuals I had already spent time with.
We then rotated around another set of golf activity stations focused on target awareness. I learned to block out the things I can’t control and put more effort into focusing on the end goal.
After an exciting morning of golf, we were surprised with an ice cream break! It was by the far the best ice cream I’ve ever had and one of the best parts of the day.
Later that day, we took a short bus ride over to TopGolf and met with one of the directors of the company. She spoke to us about being an inclusive leader and gave us advice and pointers. I walked away with a new found perspective on being an effective, inclusive leader and how to be open and responsive to others ideas and opinions and how to adapt to their needs in a leadership role.
Another guest speaker, Victoria Arlen, spoke to us about her life and corporate experiences. We were able to interact and ask questions about her experiences. She is an amazing women and a perfect example of what it means to persevere.
After listening to the guest speakers, we were split into groups again and played TopGolf games, in addition to eating some wonderful snacks. It was a fun, relaxing way to end the day!
Day 4 Recap
To round out our last day at Game Changers Academy, we participated in another RISE workshop. We used the SMART acronym to create a theoretical community service project. Each group shared their ideas and received feedback and suggestions on how to bring the service project to fruition. The objective of the workshop was to equip us with the tools to create achievable goals in our personal life.
We then went to a workshop hosted by AWS. Members of the company shared AWS mission statement and values and how they incorporate each one to create an inclusive work environment. We were split into groups and tasked with creating a theoretical leader based on one of AWS values and how that value could be presented by the leader in a workplace. This activity really tied in everything we had learned thus far at the academy and how we could apply it in our daily lives and as leaders in our community.
After a hearty lunch, we headed over to Theodore Wirth Golf Course to play an 18 hole scramble. I was paired with a positive, encouraging group that created a fun, competitive environment. This 18 hole scramble was the most fun I have ever had golfing competitively. The experience was really eye opening. I am usually stuck in a negative mindset and worry more about my performance than having fun. I was able to focus on my golf game with a positive attitude and actually have fun and enjoy my time on the course. This was my favorite part of the entire trip and the best way to round out our time in Minneapolis!
Overall, this trip allowed me the opportunity to meet so many kind, amazing people and see and try new things in a fun, supportive environment. Plus, I got to stay on a college campus and get a feel for what college will be like, as I will be attending soon. I definitely walked away with the skills and knowledge to becoming an inclusive leader. I sharpened my creative skills in finding solutions to create equality, as every person is so different. I look forward to taking everything I learned from my experience and incorporating it into my upcoming school year and daily life. Thank you First Tee for instilling confidence in myself and actions! I am beyond grateful for the experience Game Changers Academy offered me and I can’t wait to share a positive impact with my community.
