A little over a month ago, I received an email from a high school senior who had worked in our office last year. He told me he was in the midst of finalizing his capstone project, something every Grinnell-Newburg student is required to complete prior to graduation, and was hoping he could meet with me to discuss it more. We set up a meeting a few days later, and he told me more about his project and ultimate goal - incorporating a tennis tournament into Grinnell Games. Without much hesitation, I said we would be more than willing to consider adding it to the event, but would need his help to pull it off. He was excited to help it come to fruition, and helped organize the event in a matter of a few weeks. He reached out to other colleagues and mentors to assist in the planning, recruited volunteers and was on-site all day to manage the registration and tournament itself (photos below).
Had Jean Paul never sent me an email, or picked up the phone, we would not have incorporated a tennis tournament into the event this year, but we did. He showed incredible courage and determination - both great qualities of an entrepreneur. I'm confident J.P. will be successful as he enters his freshman year at Iowa State in the fall, and am excited to see him continue pursuing his dreams.
I encourage you to use his story as a reminder: Always follow your dreams, and don't be afraid. You may be told no, but the opposite could also happen. As Beverly Sills said, "You may be disappointed if you fail, but you're doomed if you don't try." Always try, and always follow your dreams.
Jean Paul, left, poses with Heath at the conclusion of the singles tennis tournament during Grinnell Games weekend.
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