Summers are for rest, relaxation, family time, and cool trips. Now as summer 2022 comes to a close, I have spent the last couple months reflecting and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to be able to walk in purpose, and impact others every single day, all while having fun, traveling the world, and creating the life of my dreams.
My first ministry, however, will always be HOME. Amidst our travels, we had the opportunity to continue to expose #DemBoyz to a variety of college campuses as we journeyed around the country. I stopped counting the number of hours we spent on the road in the car but it’s easily north of 72 hours…and likely closer to 100 [with two kids under the age of 9]. It’s not for the weak, but one thing I know for sure as we continue to raise our little bougie kids…we will always find a way to keep them humble. They get passport stamps and stay in nice hotels, but they also are road warriors and understand the essence of a slumber party at our friends houses on the road [aka pallets and multiples to a bed].
I think back on how I grew up literally 5 minutes from a college campus and I can’t recall a time that I went to a college game or participated in a camp. Honestly the place I spent the most time was the library with my aunt as she was working on her masters degree in teaching. I was privileged in knowing and understanding the value of a college degree. College was what I was supposed to do, but truly understanding the nuances was completely out of sight, out of mind, even though I had one in my backyard.
Having worked in the college athletics and higher education space for over a decade, #DemBoyz have grown up with privilege and access that to them is normal. I’m grateful for their industry aunts and uncles who always go out of their way to show them the best experiences. This summer we had the opportunity to tour TCU, [my alma mater] Rice, University of Texas at Austin, Memphis, Illinois, and Northwestern. #DemBoyz not only know what great facilities and amenities look like, but they understand the type of people they want to be surrounded by. It’s also important for them to see people who look like THEM in the process.
“_______ sure knows how to treat their students.”
“________ is my favorite because they have a game room”
“Next time can we see more of _________ so that I can get a better idea of what it’s really like.” [all words from an 8 year who can be wise beyond his years at times]
Just know the bar is set high and they have expectations! Exposure starts at home [for us]. My work takes me all over the world, and know that #DemBoyz will always be in tow. Our normal isn’t typical but we are creating our own goals along the way.
Cheers to a new school year, and the magic of new beginnings 💫