My summer is nearly over and I feel like I've finally settled in. The majority of my summer has been a lot of ups and downs. I'd be lying if I said this summer was perfect, but it has been full of a lot of new experiences, both good and bad, resulting in a summer I'll never forget. My summer began with heading to a state I'd never planned on living in, but yet had a faint dream of spending the rest of my life in. That dream has changed. As much as I have learned to like Florida, I don't think I could ever live here. Again, I don't hate it, but I guess my Midwestern roots can't grab hold of anything I'm used to and leaves me scrambling for something familiar. I have learned to appreciate the monotony of it all, so many cultures in one place has taken on a culture within itself. But I sure do miss some changes in elevation, bluegrass, and evenings that are cool enough to hang out on your back porch.
Regardless of my opinion of south Florida, my internship has been an incredible experience. A job that combines the opportunity to interact with junior golfers and PGA professionals while traveling all over south Florida has been an incredibly positive experience. It's reestablished my love for developing the game for the next generation of golf. Being able to meet and build relationships with PGA professionals that work in the golf capital of the US has been an incredible experience within the experience. Just a few of the many lessons I've learned from my interactions with PGA pros this summer include:
- Keep track of those that offer to be a reference, you never know who/when you might be able to utilize their opinion of you in your future.
- Treat every interaction as a job interview. You never know.
- Tied in with the last point, the golf world is so small, everyone knows everyone, so be smart.
- When you try to make youth sports fair you eliminate the element of fun for the participants.
- Build a brand for yourself. Invest in various ways to make yourself stand apart, even if that means deviating from the prescribed PGA path towards success.
I wish I could record everything that I experience beacuse there have been some priceless pieces of advice given to me by coaches and parents alike. Also there has been a non-stop flow of hilarious moments, because let's face it when you work with 6-14 year olds five days of the week you're going to have plenty of stories to tell. Just a few of my favorite moments include:
- A kid deciding to lay face down in the middle of the fairway while his playing partner is watching me with a smirk on his face just waiting to see my reaction. (Did I mention this group already had two other groups waiting for them on the tee?)
- A player told another participant that he did not deserve a medal because beating the course is not possible. This player was 4 years old and was bent on getting a medal.
- Another players pants falling down on multiple occasions and despite the belt's efforts his hands served as suspenders for the majority of his round.
Ultimately kids are hilarious. I've also learned a lot of patience... with parents. Forget dance moms, golf moms/dads/grandparents are a whole other world. For all of those times I prayed for patience, thank you Lord, I'm getting plenty of practice. I've learned how to graciously tell a parent that blames all the other players for the three hour round they're complaining about is due to the fact their child is slower than molasses. I've also been able to frequently remind parents TEAM GOLF IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN. I'd like to believe that whenever my children begin playing golf, no matter how big of a golf rockstar they are, I solemnly swear that I will not be overbearing and will only let my children play when and what they want to. Also I will read every email and piece of paper containing information regarding the event they are participating in. Because Lord knows, the answers are out
there, but why read it when you bug the snot out of the facilitator? That's what they're there for right?
I digress. But truthfully, it's been a treat to work with those I've been blessed to call coworkers. Working under this section's executive director and director of operations has been one of the greatest positives of this experience. I hope someday I get to work with or lead like them in the same setting.
But this summer hasn't come without its struggles. At the beginning of the summer I found out my mom has stage 0 breast cancer. Praise the Lord it is only precancerous, but not being able to be there for her procedure or radiation has been tough. But it's a true testament of my mom's testimony, seeing her strength, peace, and seeing all of those that love her pray for her during this trial. I'm so thankful for her example and the wisdom of the doctors that have taken such good care of her. I've also faced some of firsts of adulthood, including: dealing with a car accident, renting my own place back in Richmond, and considering my future occupation. All of these things have not been nearly as difficult as they could be and what a blessing to realize that. It's been such a sweet experience to find a church like the one I have. To sum up my experience there would be to say I have never experienced Christian hospitality in such a genuine and sweet way. From being involved in the college and career group I have true friendships resulting in my SoFlo being more difficult than originally planned. I could go on-and-on on just how great finding this body has been to my summer, but to sum it up, I do feel #blessed. Tacky I know, but seriously it's true.
My summer has been full of fun experiences at work, with my roommate, and discovering new places and things all over SoFlo. I only have three more weeks, but I hope to make the most of them. Don't worry pictures are soon to follow.
