Affirmations
As parents, friends, coaches and mentors, sometimes we don't get it right. Sometimes we do.
Share those moments.
Wyandanch Football Coach Dwight Singleton
"I wouldn't be in this college dorm without that man, and neither would my three roommates," said Allon Littlejohn, a freshman at Hudson Valley Community College in upstate Troy.
Excerpt of 2015 Bellport High School 's Hailey Wagner's Valedictory Speech
Our graduation today marks a pivotal point in our lives. Up until now we've coaxed and guided but, following graduation, it becomes time to loosen our grip on whoever hands we're holding and take the reins for ourselves. And when the time comes and we are met with struggles and challenges, we must look to ourselves to dig down deep and solve those problems. In the words of our own Rob Powell, "Life is about overcoming adversity. No one can do it for you. You gotta look into your heart and soul and pull it out for yourself." We must now begin to hold ourselves accountable for our actions so we can offer ourselves the opportunity to grow and mature.
Dear Powell family, 2012
I am very sorry that this is late, but I just wanted to say thank you so much for taking me on the cruise. I am thankful I had the opportunity to go especially with such amazing people. You guys are like my second family. I honestly can't thank you enough. Words can't describe how happy and excited I was to go. I had a blast. I literally had so much fun, I can retrace every single second on that vacation. I wouldn't rather go with anyone else on that cruise and I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I am so sorry I don't see you guys too much because of school. (sad face) I hope I see you all very soon. I am so happy to have you all in my life! Thank you again for always welcoming and bringing me on such exciting adventures and stuff. I am always and will never forget the fact that every time I see Mr. Powell he goes "Hey Alice, how you doing", or how Aunt Marion goes "Saveeannah". Nikki, I really look up to you as a person, you are so nice to me and I really love how your view of everything is different from others. I know that sounds so corny but I don't know how to word it. And Tara. You have and will forever be my best friend since 2nd grade. We have so many memories and you are truly the only person who can make me laugh so hard, I will choke and cry. I really miss you so much and I hope we can hang out soon! Thank you all so much, again for taking me. I love and miss you all so much! XOXO Love Always,
Savannah Sallah (Alice) (heart)
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Powell I am very proud of Nicole for declining to retake a section of her quarterly exam because it might be unfair to other students. When I see parents teaching their children to choose actions based on moral and ethical values rather than expediency, I feel honored to be a teacher and optimistic about the future of our nation. Thank you. Sincerely, Tracey Byrnes
Coach Rob!!! How are you doing? It has been a long time. I can't call right now as i just got this email and i am on a "quiet car" ( i commute to work via train). You have been on my mind lately...here is why...
I've been working in financial services pretty much since I graduated from college. My latest stint has been at TD Ameritrade as a Director in our Technology area (been here the last 10+ years). Our HR area asks some of the Directors to occasionally facilitate classes to our up and coming managers on some different topics. The topic they asked me to facilitate this time was "coaching" your staff and driving associate engagement.
HR gave us some guidelines and material about what to talk about (expecting me mostly to talk about past work scenarios, old bosses and how they coached people, etc.) but I went way off script and talked mostly about my old high school basketball coach!!!
People loved the class because it was different and didn't focus on typical / HR coaching fodder. The premise was simple....all the great qualities of a good coach....and how and why you were the best coach I ever had and one of the biggest influences in my life. I told them that even though I was also coached by the winningest college football coach of all time, and by several assistant coaches that are current and past NFL or college FB coaches, that none of those coaches had anything on you.
Told a lot of stories of how you motivated players, and how if I didn't give 100% I felt like I was letting you (and myself) down, how you instilled confidence in your players, the importance of hard work and preparation, and how your style and techniques put people in the best position to reach their potential and succeed. I always enjoyed playing basketball more than any of the other sports. I never quite met my potential in college football, some of that is on me but I do think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I didn't have a coach like you.
OK enough about that....probably giving you a big head!
I have been living in NJ since 1998, but do get to long island fairly often since family is still out there. I will definitely keep in touch and call you. Maybe next time I am out to Long Island we can get together or something to catch up.
-jon