In my senior year of high school, I was cut from the basketball team.
Steve is a former teacher and principal at New York’s Ticonderoga Central School and is currently a CFES Program Director.
In my senior year of high school, I was cut from the basketball team. In fact, the coach told me not to even try out!
I was very disappointed because, although not a very good player, I had been on the team for three years, and a fourth season would entitle me to a varsity letter. At the same time, a local private grade school was looking for someone to coach their after school basketball program. I applied and was hired. Using the practice drills and plays I had learned, the program was very successful, and because of this experience some very good things happened to me:
- I earned some money that I desperately needed;
- I had something unique that I could add to my college application;
- I gained hands-on experience in leadership and team building that helped me decide to become a teacher;
- Most importantly, I learned that when one door closes in your life, another one opens.
By the way, the coach who cut me would later become a lifelong friend and mentor.
Have the Essential Skills helped you succeed? Share your story with us HERE and set an example for our scholars as they become college and career ready.