Monday, March 26, 2007

5-4-3-2-1-JUMP

Oh yeah I forgot to mention last weekend I jumped of the Harbor Bridge here in Auckland. It was very different from my previous bungy jump in that it was much shorter, and that I actually went completely under water. My suggestion to everyone is you should give the bungy jump thing a try, because it is a lot of fun, plus people will think you're crazy, dumb, or a combination of the two for doing so.

Staying Busy with Basketball

Today I've started my third week at Strathalan School in Papakura. Its great to be able to work with the same group of kids over a sustained period, because of the relationship you can build with them. I've been amazed at how much they've been able to absorb. I started with just a jumpstop and now they are pivoting and protecting the ball, probably doesn't sound like a lot to the casual fan, but to help put it in perspective that skill set is something that kids in the US don't really get a grasp on until high school, at least I did not. The other thing that amazes me is how much they remember. I only work with a group for 30-45 minutes a week and then don't see them until the next week and I can jump in and ask them what is a jump stop, pivot or defensive stance and they'll immediately jump into it. A couple days ago some students from Freeman's Bay came in for an afterschool program at Youthtown and I found a group of 5 of them playing shaq says on there own time, it was a moment of recognition that a simple game I brought from a basketball camp at the University of La Verne to New Zealand is fun no matter where you do it.

On a leisurely note, I travelled to the Bay of Islands, where I went out on a sail boat around the islands and even squeezed in a round of golf in plain view of the Bay, very scenic. Anyone that thinks golf isn't a sport I challenge you to go out and play 18 holes and get at me the next day to let me know how you feel physically. Then we can debate. Thats it for now, stay tuned for some pictures.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Capitol City

I spent this weekend in Wellington, the capitol of New Zealand and have reached several conclusions, some more relevant than others.

First, museums are alright, just alright. It is great to be able to walk around and see objects, in a museum, but they seem so removed from their setting. For example today I saw a replica of a Maori canoe, but it was held up on a pedestal and tilted at an angle as if it was floating in the air like Peter Pan's ship. Despite the carvings on the canoe being worth a viewing, the canoe cannot come to life to me as a viewer unless I were to see it in action. I need to see the canoe in the water, or at least outside.

Second, there are some amazingly talented people in this world. It was the first time since college where I got to be held in the same room with exceptional students, with dreams, hopes and aspirations to change the world. I participated in an orientation for fellow Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, and was awe struck by peoples projects that ranged from wave energy to teacher quality. I'd like to thank those involved in the weekend for making it a special place, a think tank of people networking to help facilitate eachothers experience while here in New Zealand and hopefully further beyond this short 9 month scholarship period.

Third, I have great ideas, do great things, and may even be a great person, but it is a constant struggle to make sure you put your best foot forward and not get lost along the way. The journey has always just begun, beginning constantly, never ends. The struggle is whats fun, may I never stop struggling. HOLLA

Thursday, March 1, 2007

The First Week

As I have completed my first week of classes at the University of Auckland, I guess I have officially settled into my new home for the next year. I've dialed in my room, hung up a map of New Zealand and a random SlamUp of AI in a Nuggets uniform, bought things like plates and silverware for the first time in my life, and set up my computer with speakers. All the things a 22 year old would need in his small dorm.

This week beyond going to classes I introduced myself to a new organization that is attempting some new exciting programs for kids with basketball, Youthtown. I joined the coordinator and another player younger than me to coach at a youth camp for children with moderate to severe physical and learning disorders. I was excited just being in a gym and with kids who wanted to play some basketball. I had a great time, but one thing happened that I'm still thinking about. As the kids were playing this one kid ran the ball like 10 feet out of bounds so I called out, in order to keep the two teams on our court and not spilling into the court next to us. I got the ball and handed it to a player on the opposing team to begin play, when the kid that ran up came up to me and yelled at me, saying he was just trying to score. I tried to just encourage him to keep tryin to score and not be discouraged because this time he went out of bounds. After our brief exchange I didn't think about it again until he came up to me after all the games were over and apologized for yelling at me. It was one of the most genuine apologies I have ever recieved. This kid didn't need to apologize because I had already dismissed the incident, but yet he took it upon himself to apologize for getting caught in the heat of the moment and yelling. It struck me and I don't know if I even know its significance yet.