Over the summer I found out I was awarded a partial scholarship for my second year at Darden. It was not until late last week I was informed of the requirements for the award though. I knew to be eligible for any second year scholarship I had to be in the top x% of my class; but each scholarship had its own non-academic criteria. When I found out the selection criteria I could not help but crack a smile, the qualifications are characteristics I strive for. Having others think I may be reaching some of those personal goals gives me some confidence I'm doing the right thing.
The qualifications were:
• Demonstrates a relentless passion for learning and inquiry
• Displays a magnanimous and charitable spirit
• Enlivens the learning environment with warmth, humor and good will.
• Will contribute to the health and welfare of all members of the Darden Community
After I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes I was determined to use my disease as a vehicle to inspire others. I had a strong desire to demonstrate that anything is possible if you do it with the right energy and a strong belief in yourself - that's why I got the crazy Ironman idea in my head. Once I came to business school I realized those aspirations could reach well beyond the chronic disease community.
This year at Darden I am starting a holistic wellness program and founding the Business & Public Policy club. The holistic wellness program has been created under the belief that incorporating physical fitness and proper nutrition can improve mental focus and health. While the BPP club is attempting to address business and policy issues from an all encompassing view - for too long business leaders and policy makers haven't been on the same page. Common to both pursuits is the desire to make the entire Darden experience richer and deeper for all.
Finding out the criteria for the scholarship lets me know that while sometimes my methods are a bit unconventional I'm still reaching the goals I set for myself on April 2nd, 2007. I don't always do things like everyone else and that's ok, sometimes a new way and a fresh perspective is needed. Especially since my goal always has been and always will be to help others.
Showing posts with label Ring The Bolus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ring The Bolus. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, April 7, 2008
What Is Ring The Bolus
After nearly a year of blogging, I realized I never explained what "Ring The Bolus" means or how those words came to be. I'm sure many of you have figured out that for me those words mean rising to the challenge of diabetes and giving my all to any obstacle I face but why I chose "Ring The Bolus," as my rallying cry is a different story.
My senior year in college I was playing for my third offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 3 years. As one of the shortest lineman (5'8") in college football each new Coach meant a new person I had to prove my ability to - A 5'8 offensive lineman sticks out a bit compared to dudes who are 6'3 and 6'4. Coach Walsh had recruited me when I was in high school while he was a GA at Kings but was not too pleased when a shorter than expected player walked into the guidance office. Our historical bad foot made my holding onto my starting position that much tougher.
As the weeks progressed Coach Walsh realized that my love of the game, willingness to sacrifice my body for the team and most importantly understanding and knowledge of the plays was a true asset. We became very close with a mutual admiration developing throughout the season. Walsh's rallying call to the offensive line before each game was "Ring The Bell." Like a fighter ready to go in for 12 rounds of battle he expected us to will ourselves to victory once we stepped across the white lines onto the field.
When I received my diagnosis of diabetes I knew I'd be on the Type 1 field of play for the rest of my life and that it was time to "Ring The Bell," or to fight this disease. To make it a bit more diabetes related I called it "Ring The Bolus." At the risk of sounding cliche when I heard the bell ring for my first workout on April 3rd I knew I'd be going the full 15 rounds (like the great fights of old) against this disease.
My senior year in college I was playing for my third offensive coordinator and offensive line coach in 3 years. As one of the shortest lineman (5'8") in college football each new Coach meant a new person I had to prove my ability to - A 5'8 offensive lineman sticks out a bit compared to dudes who are 6'3 and 6'4. Coach Walsh had recruited me when I was in high school while he was a GA at Kings but was not too pleased when a shorter than expected player walked into the guidance office. Our historical bad foot made my holding onto my starting position that much tougher.
As the weeks progressed Coach Walsh realized that my love of the game, willingness to sacrifice my body for the team and most importantly understanding and knowledge of the plays was a true asset. We became very close with a mutual admiration developing throughout the season. Walsh's rallying call to the offensive line before each game was "Ring The Bell." Like a fighter ready to go in for 12 rounds of battle he expected us to will ourselves to victory once we stepped across the white lines onto the field.
When I received my diagnosis of diabetes I knew I'd be on the Type 1 field of play for the rest of my life and that it was time to "Ring The Bell," or to fight this disease. To make it a bit more diabetes related I called it "Ring The Bolus." At the risk of sounding cliche when I heard the bell ring for my first workout on April 3rd I knew I'd be going the full 15 rounds (like the great fights of old) against this disease.
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