SquashEmpower!

As a Squash Professional with an interest in youth sports, I began coaching in the United States soon after my arrival from Australia 3 years ago. My desire was to start my own Squash and Fitness Club in Bethesda, Maryland but unfortunately could not raise the capital.

The issue of youth obesity, especially in relation to disadvantaged communities, receives prominent media reporting. To address this issue as well as the improvement in self esteem levels associated with weight and success, I developed an Urban Youth Program called SquashEmpower in April 2005.

SquashEmpower brings squash and academic tuition to disadvantaged DC youth. I coordinate the program, seek funding, develop schedules, etc.

The program is wonderful as you will be able to see by visiting http://www.squashempower.org/. Check out the happy faces!

These kids had never heard of squash before, and their success in learning a new sport combined with developing writing skills through journaling has greatly improved their lives. With the community's support we will develop and improve this program for many years to come.

Connie

Success Redefined -- No One can take it Away from Me!

In 2002, the youngest of my three beautiful children and I each experienced two separate health scares that made me stop in mid-sprint. As a result, I felt compelled to create a written legacy for my children that would always be there to guide them in the event that I was not. My goal was to get my philosophy, experience and values down on paper.

I had learned firsthand how quickly other people or events can strip you of your salary, job title, street address, and all the other trappings of so-called success. I decided to redefine success so that no one could take it away from me.

The most important steps in achieving my goal were:
1. Self-sacrifice: Less sleep and temporary time out from the gym. I wrote when my children slept.
2. Accountability: Only to myself. I kept my project under wraps. As a single parent, I didn’t need the added burden of others' expectations.
3. Gentleness: With myself. I set no deadlines or schedules. This book was a gift for my children, and I wanted to enjoy the writing process as much as I enjoyed every pregnancy.

Not only did I complete my written legacy but much to my surprised delight, it was published in 2005 under the title Keep Your WITS About You: Work Smart, Be Happy, Feel Great.

Today, when I look at my book, my favorite page is the Dedication page, which reads, “To my three beautiful children, Elizabeth, Alex, and Christopher, with love from your happy mother.”

Michelle www.michellegall.com

Running, Zumming and Teaching

I love the open road! Many of my college dates found me riding on the back of a motorcycle. After a trip to Greece this spring where most people ride scooters or motorcycles, I felt compelled to purchase a Yamaha Zuma. Maybe I am trying to recapture my youth.

This seemed to launch me on the road to setting and accomplishing other goals.

Studying European History was my first goal, and I made A's in all three of my classes. This is quite an accomplishment. I thought of history as facts and timelines, and memorizing facts has always been difficult. A wonderful professor proved me wrong.

My next goal - to beat my times from the last four years for running the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K. The weather was perfect for racing. I took almost four minutes off my best time!

Another interest is digital photography. My goal was to restore some black and white photos from my mother's youth. It was a sentimental project and the restored photos looked much better than the originals.

I’m now teaching basic math again to students lacking those educational skills. I’ve realized through all of these life goals that it’s important to give it your best with patience, compassion and determination – and you’ll be a winner.

Tammy