Where Would We Be Without Mentors?

Today was the first official day of activities. It started with a short meeting with the other mentors for the group. After spending the day with them, I was awe struck by the vast experience they all had in sports management and international multi-game events like the Olympics, Pan American Games, NCAA basketball and football playoffs, and more. Some of them have worked at 12 Olympic Games and are so knowledgeable about press operations and journalism. Mr. Hancock said that we were at "A buffet of Excellence." He was absolutely right.

Did you notice my traveling gnome, Shaka? He's back by popular demand.

This is Elissa, my friend, and project manager for the Young Reporters Program. I saw a post on Facebook in which she shared what she was working on and I immediately commented, "When are the Pan Am Games?" I checked my calendar and knew that I could make it work if she needed my help so, I was thrilled when  she said to needing my help. Within 10 minutes I booked my flight. 

I am thankful for this opportunity to learn, network, and visit Toronto Canada. 

She is responsible for my participation in two Olympics and these Pan Am Games. I first worked with her when she was the coordinator for San Jose's Role Model Program. We developed a strong working relationship when she volunteered in my classroom. From this a life-long friendship grew. Elissa is such an inspiration to me because she practices what she preaches. When in my class, she spoke to my students about the importance of finding their passion, setting goals, and doing whatever it takes to achieve them. We would have conversations about what she wanted to do in life and within 13 years she has accomplished all of the goals she had set at the time. I am so proud of her. She has shared with me more of her goals and I have know doubt that she will reach them. 

This mentor works as a top executive of Yahoo Sports Canada. He spoke about using social media for reporting sporting events. He talked about how reporters are now using less words and integrating video and photography to communicate their story. We had learning sessions all afternoon.

This is Bill Hancock. I liked his rules to live by: (1) Treat people how you want to be treated. (2) Think baseball. Don't worry when you strike make a strike, you only have to get one out of three right to be successful and you  have another chance at the plate. (3) Appreciate those who came before you and allowed you to enjoy what you are doing. (4) Be more interested in others than you are in yourself. Listen to other's stories. (5) Cherish what you have. (6) People are always watching.

After a long first day, we were all treated to a reception welcoming us to the Games.. These young reporters are hitting it off so well. It is hard to believe that they had never met in person until yesterday. Before arriving they learned about each other through FB and Instagram. They also had webinars and homework to do in partners. They are a great bunch. They are making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I told them that their energy and enthusiasm made me feel 2 decades younger and I heard one of them say, "Maybe even 3 decades younger." After thinking about it, she was right. I feel like I'm in my twenties when I am around them. Oh what a feeling!