Teaching Hard Work over Being Lucky
Big Brother Sinclair Henry and Chris
Big Brother Sinclair Henry and Chris at a Tennessee Titans game last season.
Two years ago, Big Brother Sinclair Henry met Chris, and then 13 year old energetic boy in need of a mentor. Chris is fortunate to have a terrific mother doing a great job at raising him thus far, but a 13 year old boy naturally has several changes going on and topics they aren’t comfortable talking about with their mom.
From the first time they met, it was never a dull moment. The duo enjoyed all sorts of sports and activities, forming a friendship quickly that was very natural and comfortable for them both.
Sinclair noticed early on that Chris was very good at basketball, and the young athlete would talk about wanting to play college, and of course later, professional basketball as many young folks dream. But Sinclair stressed to Chris that basketball couldn’t be his only focus, that school work had to come first in order for the young student to be able to play basketball at a really strong college or university. “I knew from my own experience it only takes a second for you to hurt your knee – and then without the education, where are you?” he recounted. Chris seemed to really hear this sentiment that had no doubt been shared by countless others, but somehow – coming from his Big Brother – “work to play” was a philosophy that made sense.
Chris grades went from C’s and D’s to now A’s and B’s as a result, and this change in mindset has carried over into other areas as well.
Sinclair explains, “I show Chris how I live, the things I have, and I explain that nothing was given to me – I have worked for all of it.” (Sinclair works in the insurance industry for Unum).
In addition to focusing on grades, Chris now also has a job, and is saving money to buy a car. “Two years ago, Chris would have expected his Mom to simply give him a car – now he is placing this goal on himself and working towards achieving it on his own.” Sinclair noted.
Better grades, stronger focus, and a new mindset in life. Sounds like Chris could very well be headed for the sky and beyond.
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