AVID Speaking Opportunity!

I'd like to thank the AVID program of Aurora, Colorado for inviting me to speak to their students about school, swimming and my career. AVID stand for "Advancement Via Individual Determination". It is a group of students who have applied to the program to better themselves with the help of Teachers and Volunteers. The program is defined on the AVID Website as:

"A fourth- through twelfth-grade system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination."

I was honored to have been invited and excited that the timing worked out to be able to share my college, swimming and career experiences with the 6th, 7th and 8th grade groups. With the help of the organizers, I developed a few main topics I would discuss with the students. Since the AVID program focuses on Individual Determination, it was easy to relate my experiences working hard in Middle School and High School to earn my College Scholarship to Eastern Michigan University. I stressed the importance of hard work in school, as well as the fact that I was also a "C" average student and managed to graduate from High School and College. It's an important message that I wish I had heard more often in my grade school years. I was made to think that only the best were rewarded with College experiences when in reality anybody who demonstrates hard work can earn scholarships and grants to attend well known universities across the country. I told the students how I was an average swimmer in Middle School and High School and by focusing my Individual Determination I demonstrated enough speed to be prospected by a few good colleges. I think it's an important message to kids at this age who aspire to make something of themselves. It requires hard work while keeping your overall goal in mind.


I also discussed some career opportunities my hobbies and interests have created over the years which I won't cover on this Blog. The overall message was the classic "Do what you love and the money will follow". It's something I believed before it even came true for me.

Next I covered the main reason why I was invited to speak to them. I explained that I was a competitor in the 2008 U.S. Olympic Trials in July. I went into great detail on how and why I set my goal of competing and what it took to make it happen. I told them about my inspiration, former Olympian Eric Namesnik and his amazing legacy. I told them about the quote Jon Urbanchek spoke during Eric's Memorial service "A dream is a dream till you do something about it". And how it only took me a few seconds that day in 2006 to figure out what my dream was. I explained that the reason I swim at this level is not for money, or fame, or recognition... that it is for my own pride and the amazing experience. I think it's imporant to mention in a world driven by pro sports contracts and million dollar signing bonuses. I explained the Individual Determination that was needed to achieve my goal. I told them that I made it to the Olympic Trials without a Coach or a Team to help me. I did it all by myself from day one. I explained that there were people that told me I couldn't do it, and I also praised the few that gave me strength such as close friends and family.

By request, I was able to bring up my website on the classroom projectors to explain some of the competitions I had been a part of, especially the Prelims and Finals at Ohio State Grand Prix where I first missed, and then achieved my goal of an Olympic Trial qualifying time. I was asked about my friendship with Olympian Michael Phelps, a natural comparison when discussing the Olympic Games. I explained that I didn't know him personally but have seen and interacted with him at many competitions this past year. I also spoke about competing against the best swimmers in the world at the Santa Clara Invitational in May when I raced Phelps and Grievers in the 100 Back.

I had lots of great questions from the students. Plenty of them pertained to the Olympic Trials, the 2008 Olympics games, and a few about how long I could hold my breath! I answered questions about college and my partial swimming scholarship. There were many Career questions I was happy to answer as well. I let the students know that I have gone through my entire life without ever trying drugs, cigarettes or alcohol. I explained that the lack of these substances have helped me keep myself focused on my goals while simplifying my life. I'm proud to say that I feel that I'm a good role model for these students.


Overall I felt honored to have the opportunity to speak to the students and share my experiences. I look forward to their continued emails and questions about school, college, careers and life. Thank you and good luck this year AVID!