We all grew up idolizing and admiring professional athletes, musicians, TV stars, scientists, and more. Once we find someone we look up too, we tend to start watching them perform or listen to their music, whatever the case may be. A lot of times we will model ourselves after them. We will dress up like them, wear their shoes, get a similar haircut, do their moves, and more. If you love soccer, you might wear the same shoes as Messi and try to play a similar style as Messi because you want to be like him. Everyone has their role models or idols that they love, follow, and even imitate their lifestyle.
For me, I grew up loving professional sports athletes such as basketball players, soccer players, baseball players, and football players. I just knew I wanted to be an athlete and play sports at the highest level. I played baseball, football, basketball, and soccer growing up. But the two sports that I fell in love with were soccer and basketball. In basketball, I enjoyed watching players like LeBron James, Kevin Love, Steve Nash, and Minnesota legend Tyus Jones. In soccer, I admired watching Carles Puyol, Lionel Messi, Segio Arguro, Landon Dovovan, and Theirry Henry. One thing I noticed as I was watching all these players is that none of them were deaf like me.
When I was in 7th grade like most kids, I started to think about playing sports in college. I began losing confidence in myself because I didn’t know anyone that was deaf and playing at an elite level. I distinctly remember the conversation I had with my mother one night and telling her that I do not think I am good enough to play college sports because of my hearing loss. My confidence was low, my motivation was low, and I just had a lot of self-doubt in my athletic abilities.
That night after the conversation with my mother, she spent all night researching college athletes with hearing loss and she found a deaf basketball player named Greg White. That morning, my mom printed out an article about Greg White and left it on the kitchen counter for me to read. The article was about Greg White, and his success with the USA Deaf Men’s Basketball. Greg White was a Division III player at Ohio Wesleyan University and entering his senior year at this point. I wanted an opportunity to meet Greg White and learn about his experience playing collegiate sports while being the only team member with a hearing loss. Luckily, my basketball coach at the time had connections with the Ohio Wesleyan Coach and got me connected with Greg White.
It was senior day for Ohio Wesleyan Basketball, and I got to fly down to Ohio from Minnesota to watch Greg play in his last basketball game. The coolest part about the trip was that I got to meet Greg White after the game and he invited me and my father to the team dinner that night. Greg sat me next to the players at the players table and made me feel like part of the team. This was such an amazing experience for me to hear Greg’s story and the impact he has had on his teammates both on and off the court. I will never forget my trip to Ohio Wesleyan and meeting my role model Greg White.
My confidence, my motivation, my passion skyrocketed, and I was a completely different player on the pitch and very happy off the pitch as well. My relationship with Greg White did not end in Ohio, Greg and I continuously stay in touch. When I was traveling for soccer, we had a big game in Ohio and Greg came to the game to watch me play. That was so amazing, and after the game, he came and spoke to my team about his experience as a deaf athlete and how my teammates can help me thrive on and off the field. Greg also attended the 20th anniversary of my old school called Northern Voices. Greg was a special guest and shared his experience in front of many families and children with hearing loss. It was so inspiring to me and many others to have Greg there and gave comfort to many families that their child with hearing loss will be alright. Greg was not only a role model for me but for many others that night.
I would not be where I am today without Greg White, he inspired me to go after my dreams and to continue being my best self. I hope to follow in his footsteps and be a role model for other athletes with disabilities and inspire them to pursue their passions and dreams. Because of Greg White, he inspired me to be part of the US Disability Soccer Committee to help expand the game to all soccer players with disabilities. Also, inspired me to be a board member at my old school called Northern Voices to help the current and future students at the school.
Role models can be very powerful and have an impact on your life. I encourage you to find your role model and learn from their experience on how to be a great person, athlete, and future role models to others. You never know when you are a role model to someone else, so each day is an opportunity to be your best self and be true to who you are. For those that are struggling to find a role model, it takes time, but once you’ve found the right person, it can make a huge difference in your life and the lives of others.
Role models come in so many different forms and often we forget that we may be a role model for someone in our lives. Whether it is as a friend, family member, coach, colleague, teacher, or even just a neighbor, we have the power to be a positive light along someone else’s journey. Being a role model is as simple as being a support system for someone else. At Grow Wellness Group, we are always here to support you, or someone you know, along their journey as well.
To schedule an appointment, please contact us at:
Phone: 331-457-2020
Email: info@growwellnessgroup.com
