2023 Archives - Page 7 of 7 - First Tee

Derrick Ow on how he overcame an obstacle to achieve his dream

Without First Tee, I would still be the shy kid from Salinas, CA with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Devoid of lessons learned through First Tee programs, I would simply not be writing this letter yet alone be talking.

When you suffer sixteen seizures at two years old and have doctors tell your parents that you will never talk or never succeed in a mainstream class in school, I guess you can say I learned perseverance early in my life.  

My parents enrolled me into numerous special education classes, occupational and physical therapy to regain my small muscle skills. However, with those classes came constant bullying of racial slurs and derogatory labels.  Looking for appropriate programs that would help my social and physical development, my parents enrolled me into First Tee – Monterey County in 2005.

You can say that my local chapter and I have grown up together, so I consider myself part of the foundation and groundwork of our chapter. The coaches were always inclusive and willing to help guide my growth as a young adult on and off the golf course.

Despite the respect and acceptance into a sport that has given me so much, I still had a secret that I needed to tell. I did not share my disability with my First Tee coaches until 2014 when I talked to our Executive Director, Nick Nelson.

I was applying for the Outstanding Participant Summit, and I needed a recommendation letter from him. When he read my essay for the application he said to me,” Derrick, I had no idea you had Autism.”

Hearing that from someone I respect and look up to be a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. This was the first time in my life that I felt loved by people who truly care for me, the sport of golf provided me an inclusive and safe environment where I was allowed to grow and develop as a golfer but most importantly a future citizen. 

Building on this newfound confidence I was able to share my disability with my best friends at school and others outside my family. 

In addition to life skills and core values I learned the importance of networking. I was honored to participate in five national First Tee events, where I met fellow First Tee members like me from all around the country. I keep in touch with most of the participants I have met along the way and cherish their friendship and support.   

What so many people consider to be a rich man’s sport is a sport that has given me a once in a lifetime opportunity. First Tee taught me life and golf skills – how to speak at public events to coaching an anti-bullying station during summer camp.

Most of these small accomplishments seem impossible to achieve with a disability like mine, but all you have to do is persevere through all the learning experiences I had to endure, working hard and never ever giving up. That is the impact First Tee has given me. 

First Tee – Silicon Valley Alumni Club

As you may have already heard, First Tee launched its national alumni network platform. We encourage you to register HERE and search for our First Tee – Silicon Valley Group.

Having a chapter alumni club will allow us to continue nurturing our relationships with FTSV staff and alumni, strengthening our community and bonds with each other as we navigate our professional stage of life.

Our group will focus on three main pillars: Networking, Opportunities, and Giving Back.

Networking: quarterly meetings, engage and network with FTSV alumni and staff, alumni mentorship program
Opportunities: speak at FTSV events, represent FTSV at golf outings, and career development opportunities
Giving Back: volunteer coaching, opportunities to join the FTSV board and become an official advocate for FTSV

Members must be 18 years or older. Members must have completed at least two sessions of the First Tee program. We encourage you to invite your fellow FTSV alumni to grow our community to stay connected and involved with our chapter!

“First Tee – Silicon Valley has played a pivotal role in my life in developing character and gaining lifelong mentors and friends. Specifically, I’ve seen my self-confidence, public speaking, teamwork, and leadership skills grow through FTSV programming, events, and opportunities. The Eagle and Ace courses and opportunities introduced me to the concept of professional networking and conducting informational interviews, preparing us for our professional lives. I’m truly thankful for the mentorship I’ve received and the relationships formed through FTSV”
— Rhea Advani, Alumni
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheaadvani/

Join FTSV Alumni LinkedIn

Already an Alumni? Join us as a volunteer Board Ambassador! Board Ambassadors give advice, assist with projects, represent the organization in the community at events, help raise funds, and expand FTSV’s network throughout Silicon Valley and beyond. LEARN MORE…

First Tee – Silicon Valley 2022 Annual Review

First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) had a productive rebuilding year working hard to grow our course participation, school partners and coaching staff due to the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our non-profit had its highest revenue year ever hitting the $1.8M mark. FTSV is proud to share our annual operations are stronger than ever and we are optimistic about launching a comprehensive campaign to endow our programs and build facilities that will secure our future growth and stability.

Youth Opportunities

FTSV Teens were selected for various leadership and golf opportunities where many received special recognition through scholarships. Meet one of our Teens!

Nancy Rivera was selected to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The First Tee Innovators Forum empowered selected First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on global issues focusing on education, health, and sustainability. Twenty-six participants were selected from across the country and had the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. As a result of group workshops and motivating speeches by Frank and others, Nancy narrowed in on her project, which will provide resources to promote and explain higher education in low income and undocumented communities.

Nancy said this about her work…

“As a first generation in my family to go college and graduate high school, I have faced challenges such as understanding the college application process, college requirements, and federal documents/financial options,” said Nancy. “Being able to have mentors in First Tee and taking the FTSV Educational Ace project has definitely helped me through this difficult and foreign process. I know others in my position are not exposed to the same opportunities or guidance, which led me to think that everyone should have a support system or a place where they are able to go and receive this help for free. For my family and I, it was not just the higher educational process that was challenging or was unknown, but navigating this space in a foreign language that made it that much more challenging, and is why I want to provide this help in Spanish.”

“I want to provide different workshops that can help with the college application process like filling out FAFSA, or preparing for the common application process, or discussing financial options. Many schools do not offer this information and specifically do not offer it in Spanish which is what I would like to change. I want to break down stereotypes and would like our families to see higher education as being possible. I have already started reserving meeting spaces, thanks to my school, to host several of these workshops…” READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Download FULL Review

Help Teach FTSV Youth about Showing Respect

Be a Volunteer Coach!

First Tee — Silicon Valley is looking for high quality, caring people that are interested in showing up and guiding others, so they become even better people and leaders of tomorrow. Our volunteer coaches work together to bring our core lessons to life by finding and using coachable moments and by making the sessions fun and engaging. One of the 6 life skills that coaches are responsible for teaching is Respect. Coaches use our games to deliver impactful tools and tips needed to show respect to others, one’s surroundings, and oneself.

Coaching is fulfilling and beneficial!

” I started coaching First Tee to help kids learn golf, a sport I love. Interestingly, I quickly found out how much more meaningful it is for me to see them learn life skills. It’s witnessing the life skill growth that now really moves me.”
Coach Mark

“Understanding how much the juniors look up to the coaches and how much of an effect we have on their lives is impactful.”
Coach Rob

“Volunteering has helped me hone my skills in leadership, patience, and collaboration and makes me feel like I am making a positive impact in my community.”
Coach Catherine

“FTSV has introduced me to wonderful people and helped me form indispensable relationships. FTSV helps me better the lives of my students and myself!”
Coach Matt

“While it’s great to see their golf skills improve over the season, it’s even more rewarding to help them learn and apply the life skills in their daily lives.”
Coach Tracy

What if I am not an expert coach or golfer?

Our coaches come from all walks of life with different life and golf experiences. We provide life and golf skill training as well training on coach strategies, techniques, and on our coach philosophy. Our goal is to make sure every coach feels supported. Additionally, we have created lesson plans to help everyone work together and support one another in the content and delivery. There will always be a lead coach for each class coordinating the group of coaches.

What is the time requirement?

Volunteer coaches can choose from several class options by location, day of the week, and time.
Time commitment is 2.5 hours a day, once a week for an 8-week season. The 2.5 hours include a 30-minute pre-class meeting, 1.5-hour class, and a 30-minute post-class debrief.

How do I get started?

Visit our volunteer page and click on the volunteer form.
Or contact Julie Donnellan at 408-508-4882 or [email protected]
Click here for our volunteer tri-fold for more information.
We are accepting volunteers year-round, but to be able to coach in the next season you will need to complete the on-boarding steps by 2/15 for Spring, 5/15 for Summer, 8/15 for Fall, and 11/15 for Winter.

Join our team, learn/develop coaching skills, make a difference in the youth, and give back to the community! Please help us spread the word. The more positive and dedicated coaches, the better the program, and the more impactful it is for our youth.

About CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation

Youth Development through Golf

Together, Building Game Changers!