Follow through.

            My dad taught me how to play tennis. This isn’t a noteworthy feat in and of itself, because a lot of dads teach their daughters lots of things, and lots of daughters have dads for tennis coaches. For us, it’s significant. My dad has been an athlete his entire life. He’s such an athlete, and more importantly, so committed to excellence, that he taught himself how to play tennis, too. He plays against (and beats) folks who have been playing their entire lives, possibly peoples whose dads taught them to play. This is a testament to and snapshot of my dad’s character…and, being so committed to excellence, whatever you’re thinking about the kind of coach he might be, assume you’re right. Still, even when my game was a little faulty, and I didn’t practice as much as he told me to, my dad treated me to new tennis shoes, apparel, and even gave me one of his racquets to call my own.

            I was able to play tennis with my dad because I moved back home this September, some post-graduate plans having fallen through and others not yet coming to fruition. After a few weeks of moping, feeling sorry for myself and trying to figure out if I had done something wrong to end up in south Florida, I finally joined my dad on the tennis court. It occupied my time productively, got me in shape and gave me a chance to join my dad while doing something he loves.

There are a few phrases my dad stresses and repeats throughout every tennis lesson. Stay in the shot. Follow through. Watch the ball. Control, not power. These reminders apply to forehand and backhand shots, building a consistent volley game, and not wasting valuable energy during a match. Some drills were mundane, and when I tried to emulate tennis pros by taking shortcuts, my dad reminded me tricks could not substitute for real skill.

There were many days when, both on and off the tennis court, I wondered how any of these lessons mattered. How did I end up here? I felt like I got off the highway at a wrong exit, and was wandering around with no end in sight. Sure I enjoyed tennis, and spending time with my family, but mounting doubt and debt still weighed heavily on my mind.

 In moments like that, I’m glad I had friends and this church family to remind me, God said he will make a way in the wilderness. Rough ground becomes level and rugged places become a plain. God was sending me through what felt like wilderness, to deliver me to a promised land. Every swing and a miss, every out of bounds return was preparation for the day when I could finally return and beat my dad on one of his serves. The lessons he taught me all came together. Shoulder over the knee, racquet back early, full turn through the swing and a crosscourt shot will land well in bounds and out of the opponent’s reach. So every cover letter, every un-returned follow up email, every interview finally came through with a job offer in Washington, DC. The money I’ll be making, the opportunities I’ll have to build my network and further myself in my career- they’re blessings I don’t deserve. I know better than to declare victory for myself. I didn’t do any of it. The winning shots I returned to my dad would have been impossible had he not repeated those lessons to me over and over. So I knew better than to say me receiving this offer to start my career was just me, being all good- it’s all God.  

Starting next Monday, I won’t get to play tennis in the mornings with my dad anymore. Just as soon as I started to show consistent improvement with my game, all those plans I had set in motion started moving at full speed, and tennis with my dad will now have to take place on visits home from Washington, DC. As I reconsider the past few months- which at the time felt like an eternity- I realize my dad taught me about how to proceed through these new transitions. I also realize that the unconditional love and guidance I received from my father on earth, is multiplied infinitely by the love and favor provided to me by my father in heaven. I had been praying for a clear direction, a clear path toward my next step in life. In his image, God created a man who could show me that, just like on the tennis court, reaching the next level of success takes follow through. It takes staying in earshot of God’s voice, through prayer; attacking my goals without worrying about when or if they’ll come true, and allowing my hand and my life to be controlled by His power, not my own.

            My father in heaven, like my father on earth, does not make learning these lessons easy. You can’t learn how to play tennis by watching. You learn by doing, and by practicing every day, especially when you don’t feel like it.

My dad taught me how to play tennis. My dad taught me how to have faith. 

9 Things I'm Looking Forward to at N.S.L.C.

What was your "best ever?"  Many of us can reflect on a memorable family vacation where, for once, everyone got along and no one came down with a cold or food poisoning...or, maybe it's a road trip with your best friends, when the driver never got lost, the passenger-seat-DJ always chose the right track, and even the unexpected hiccups worked out in your favor. For me, the best ever was the Best Summer Ever in 2010, when I first worked at the National Student Leadership Conference at the University of Maryland. That June, I came full circle with NSLC, because in 2004 I was a student in the very same Medicine and Healthcare program, back when Chuck Taylors and layered tanks were my wardrobe of choice.

Before the Best Summer Ever started, I couldn't imagine I would bond so well with my fellow staff members who, weeks before, were complete strangers. Our life experiences were so different- some agnostics; some biology majors; one a fan of techno, and another a vegetarian. But, we ate ribs, prayed, laughed, and danced in harmony for three months. We laughed and talked in that way because we knew we existed in a space of our own...no naysayer or FBI-issued wire tap could breach the realm of security and acceptance we shared. No one else who wasn't a part of us could understand how so many different I's formed such a supportive team. Thrown into the trenches, facing nearly 1000 high school students over the course of 12 weeks, we survived together what no man or woman could handle on their own...it was the epitome of a "you had to be there" experience, and thank God, I was.

Here we are, two years later. I know I'm a lot different than I was back then, so who knows how different each of this year's staff will be from each other? Many would worry at a moment like this, wishing they would be arriving in a time machine and going back to Summer 2010. But I have to say, I'm looking forward to a brand new, and completely unique summer. I know nothing will ever be like Summer 2010. And, I don't want it to be. The problem with having the "best ever" of something is that try as you might to recreate it, in reality, perfection can't be planned. That awesome road trip won't turn out the same as the first time, because there will undoubtedbly be a new detour on your route.  I know that NSLC makes people change. We grow, whether we want to or not. This program is more about building relationships than any workshop or leadership training, because if it wasn't, none of the staff would return summer after summer, hoping to get a taste of the best ever. But, I'm back, and though I know there will be moments I can't anticipate, I know at NSLC I can count on having a good time. I'm looking forward to new memories, new friends, and the nine things listed below. It won't be the Best Ever, but Summer 2012 is definitely going to be perfect and memorable in its own way. And, that's the best way it could be.

1. Hugs. I'm a really affectionate person, but I know people get a little nervous sometimes when you hug too long, and so I became a butt-out hugger. You know...when you embrace someone with your arms, but the rest of your body is playing hide and go seek with the other person's pelvis. Not this summer. As emotions and what not abound, I'm hugging everyone like this:



2. "New" Music. I don't have a car radio (or a car for that matter,) and anyone who knows anything knows that driving around is usually my favorite way to listen to music. I try to stay updated with Spotify, Twitter, and blogs, but oftentimes the radio hits that everyone else feels are played out and overrated are brand new to me. I hope to be singing along to some Ke$ha and Bieber by summer's end.

3. Making it clear. Nothing puts your life in perspective than having to explain life to a 14-year old. I hope the conversations I have with my students as someone older and wiser (who, me?) will help me to realize what's important. At that age, they just want to know that one day they can achieve what they've always dreamed of, and I want to be an example of a "grown-up" who didn't sell out and is still going after her dreams.

4. Getting in shape. Ugh...I'm only writing this down so you guys can hold me accountable. In my head, I envision a peaceful morning run through campus, followed by a healthy breakfast and a shower, before I meet up with my students. I'm not sure how many 7:00AM field trips it will take to persuade me that this is probably a bad idea.

5. Icebreakers. I'm not ashamed to say this, but I love team-building activities. They really do help to break that fourth wall and skip the whole "so, what's your major?" nonsense and other typical conversation starters. Add in a little competition, and I'm the happiest girl in the world.

6. Forgetting I'm supposed to worry about... well, a lot of things. We'll be so busy worrying about our kids and making sure the program goes off without a hitch, that I can stop fretting over callbacks and future plans and let God do his thing without me badgering him everyday. Everything happens in its due time, so in the mean time, in between time, I'll work my thing, and it'll be fine.

7. Free Food. Add this to the explanation in number 4 as reasons why my goal to work out and get in shape will probably be for naught.

8. Inside jokes. Let's let fun happen. I'm still Facebooking my Summer '10 students about pastries in my cup. I want a summer full of mouth-open-but-no-sound-coming-out, eyes closed, belly-aching laughter.

9. Wearing a uniform. I spend far too much time in the morning picking out what I'm going to wear, then changing it three times. I love that this part of my day will be taken care of for me, and that I won't be wearing my after-school clothes as often, meaning less wear and tear on those bad boys and most importantly- less laundry.

"This summer, I ain't finna say, 'Next summer, I'm finna...'"

It's been a minute, but I'm right back in it. For those of you who know me well, you know about The List. This list is not your typical to-do or grocery list. Nay, The List is all about having fun. Actually, let me rephrase that. The pseudo-bucket list I keep on my cellphone (R.I.P. to the list I lost when I got a new Blackberry over spring break), includes every restaurant I want to try, books I want to read, songs to download and places I'd like to visit. Problem is, I spend so much time tackling the non-listed mandatory to do's that I don't often get around to The List. But, that's about to change, people. Summer's here, and if I've learned anything since college, I learned that you have to seize the do-nothing moments, and do something. I've embraced my sense of adventure over the past few years, and I don't want to lose momentum now. I've felt a little anxiety lately fending off the barrage of "what's next?!" questions, (which I suppose people think is a welcome topic for a 23-year old grad school graduate with no job prospects? please, stop.), and I need a way to refocus my energy on something positive...something memorable. I'll admit it. I love a challenge as much as I love chicken wings. But, this list isn't about stressing myself out over meaningless challenges just to prove my willpower to myself. Like that one summer I forbid myself from eating fast food and the place I was staying in didn't have a kitchen. Genius. Nope, this list means it's time to get up, get out, and do something I enjoy.

The List: Summer 2012 Edition*

1. Speak Spanish/learn a new Spanish word every day

2. Carry a water bottle.

3. Eat salad every day...any toppings allowed including bacon.

4. Read at least 3 fiction books that have nothing to do with medicine or history.

5. Try 3 new drinks and 3 new beers.

6. Try eggs Benedict.

7. Have a frittata.

8. Swim! Preferably with my head under water, but at least be in the pool, arms windmilling.

9. Blog often...mostly about my experiences experiencing The List.

10. Eat lots of fruit.

11. Wear bright colors.

I'm sure I'll think of some more things, but for now, these are my summer must-do's. What's on your summer manifesto?

*(Inspired by the good folks at Lifehacker.)

UPDATE:
12. Be "on the blogs" to stay current with new music. 

My mother, my father, and love.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own custom photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Up next, Pomp and Circumstance

Classic Colors Graduation Announcement

Browse our exclusive graduation announcements.

View the entire collection of cards.

It's About Time!

We all have our excuses. “It’s been a long day.” I need to relax.” “I’ll skip lunch tomorrow.”  Whatever the reason, we have all been there. And, ‘there’ is as far away from the gym as possible. The benefits of having a consistent workout regimen are huge: healthier hearts, reduced blood pressure, and even an improved mood and lowered anxiety levels. So, what’s the problem? Why is more than half of the country physically inactive, when the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week?

One of the biggest reasons to skip the gym is because we are dedicating time to something else… but, this is where we can start making the most change. Schedule exercise time just like you schedule business meetings or study groups, and stop looking at appointments with the gym as a date with torture. The CDC’s Physical Activity page suggests taking a few 10-minute walks each day of the work week, to break up your routine. Need to touch base with a client? Put on your walking shoes and take the call outdoors! Take the stairs to your apartment, or carry hand-weights while you walk the dog. By adopting these new habits, you can start slowly, and build up to 150 minutes or more. Exercise is important for people of all abilities, and the National Center for Physical Activity and Disability recommends kayaking, tai chi, and other routines as alternatives for vigorous exercise.

We all have our excuses, but as APHA’s National Public Health Week approaches, we are reminded that every minute we make an excuse not to work out, we are increasing our risks for not-so-minute health problems. Make time for yourself and your health, even if it means rescheduling your day. Your improved attitude and fitness are worth every minute!