Participants at The First Tee are using the lessons they are learning on the golf course to become leaders at home. But this summer, some are getting a chance to build their leadership on a national scale as well. Every year, The First Tee National Office brings together selected participants from around the country for a host of once-in-a-life time experiences. While the paths of these young people may be separated by thousands of miles, they are united by a love for the game and a desire to make a difference. Read about the experiences of some of our Seattle participants below.
The John Deere Drive Your Future Academy This summer, participant Estey Chen was selected to represent Seattle at the inaugural John Deere Drive Your Future Academy in Atlanta, GA. She was one of 24 participants to attend this all-girls event. During the jammed packed Academy, Estey visited the Carter Presidential Library and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, received coaching on college admissions from Georgia State University advisers, learned about collegiate golf, and volunteered at a local senior center. All the while, Estey had a chance to learn from women executives and connect with new lifelong friends from around the country.
“The John Deere Drive Your Future Academy focused on building confidence, resilience, and using lessons learned over the week to become “powers for good,” said Estey. “I will immediately apply the lessons I learned by setting an example of confidence and resilience but I hope to continue to apply the lessons throughout my life as I pursue a career in community service as a policy maker, public defender, or civil rights attorney.”
Watch some of the highlights from the Drive Your Future Academy:
The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Daniel McIntyre also had an opportunity to represent Seattle as one of 32 participants selected to compete in The First Tee National Par-3 Championship in Richmond, VA. Daniel represented his region as he went head to head in this match play East vs West 36-hole competition.
The First Tee Life Skills & Leadership Academy Seattle participant Valerie Tse was also chosen to represent Seattle this summer at the 2017 Life Skills & Leadership Academy. Valerie spent the week at Michigan State University where she had the chance to build relationships with participants and coaches from around the country while building personal leadership skills and exploring college and career plans.
Click here to learn more about the national opportunities offered by The First Tee.