Leap is a program that has had an incredible impact on me since I went for the first time in 2014. When I went in 2014, I went very begrudgingly as my dad said this is what is going to happen. Thank goodness he made me go because this program has taught me more life lessons than I could possibly imagine, more than that it has allowed me to form friendships that will last a lifetime.
Here is a snapshot of my groups over the past six years.
Here are the wonderful coaching groups I have been able to be a part of over the past four years
Here are a few of my favorite moments from this year.
I missed the first day of coach training because I was finishing up my internship in New York. When I got there I began several bonding experiences with the coach group such as Diddy Reise and The Santa Monica Pier. I got to see old friends,
Walt, and even be with Mary who first coached with me in 2016.
Day 1:
I have always loved day one because everyone is in a sea of green and I get to meet my new kids for the year. This year I was also lucky enough to have three returning kids from my last four years coaching, one student from my first group has even come back twice as a coach. My favorite lesson from today was "sometimes you have to get lost in the right direction" by Kathy Bates.
Day 2:
This is the first time I spoke on the Leap stage this year. I got to talk about time management. Fun fact, I am terrified of public speaking. Good tip of the day, whenever you take a breath while speaking make sure to smile. If you don't you'll look very angry all the time. I learned that a little late if you didn't notice. One of my favorite quotes from today was, "if you stay ready, you Never have to get ready" by Tracey Regmund.
Day 3:
This was a wonderful moment! I got to see one of my first year students, my biggest Leaper, for the first time since I coached him back in 2016. I learned that, "you are never too much you are always enough." Jonathan Bennet spoke today and that was one of his huge points.
Day 4:
Today one of my favorite speakers spoke, her name is Forbes Riley. Her message is to love yourself and be confident in who you are and never apologize for it. I also got a second opportunity to speak on stage with so many of my fellow coaches. Today we talked about interviewing for success, I was able to talk about my internship at Babyfair. I was just as nervous this time but after Forbes inspiring words in the morning I was more confident in what I had to say because I had knowledge to share.
Day 5:
This day was talent show day, which is always so much fun because the coaches get together and do a dance. I never said I was any good at the dance but I always have fun doing it. At the end of the day that is what matters - enjoying every moment.
Day 6:
Everything we learn all week at leap culminated into the last day called Mentor Workshop. At the mentor workshop we talk to people who have succeeded in their field and are willing to share that journey to sucess with us so that we may follow in their footsteps on our own journey to success. Two amazing things happened for me this year at the workshop. First, my dad came as a mentor, second a mentor I loved last year remembered me. As I was walking her to her spot I said we had spoken previously and she said she remembered and she loved the update on the pink suit. I was able to speak to her further and will be staying in contact.
Day 7:
Just because the era is over doesn't mean it can't always hold a special place in my heart. Leap will always be a part of who I am and for that I am forever grateful. I am most thankful for the people chanting with me "I am a Leaper and I am proud". At the end of the day we all started as leapers and then rose to coach future generations, we will always be leapers and we will always be very very proud.
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