During my formative years, I spent my upbringing in the Bronx, NY, throughout the 1970s as a child and the 1980s as a teenager. During this period, I experienced a lack of sufficient guidance and mentorship, compounded by the challenges posed by a broken educational system. However, amidst these difficulties, a gym class coach played a pivotal role by wholeheartedly encouraging his students to apply the knowledge gained in his class to real-life situations. Consequently, I gleaned valuable life lessons that significantly influenced my personal growth and professional career. Some of the key takeaways I acquired and subsequently integrated into my life and professional journey include:

• Teamwork and collaboration: Teamwork is a key component of many gym activities, encouraging cooperation and communication abilities. In order to accomplish shared objectives, students learn how to collaborate, encourage one another, and effectively strategize.
• Goal setting and discipline: Students in gym class frequently set personal fitness objectives and work toward achieving them. This teaches discipline, perseverance, and the capacity to track and improve one’s development over time.
• Time management: Students in gym class must manage their time well in order to finish exercises, warm-ups, and cool-downs within the allotted duration. This talent is useful for balancing many activities in daily life.
• Stress management: Endorphins are released during physical activity, which can help relieve stress and boost mood. Students learn that regular exercise can be a beneficial outlet for stress management and mental well-being.
• Perseverance and resilience: Students who have physical difficulties in gym class might develop resilience and problem-solving skills. In order to overcome obstacles in other spheres of life as well, this approach can be helpful.
• Confidence and self-esteem: As students improve their physical abilities and accomplish fitness goals in gym class, they can gain confidence and a positive self-image that carries over into other aspects of their lives.

I am forever grateful for the time the gym coach invested in teaching students these skills that provided a foundation for personal growth and life skills that students can carry with them into adulthood and have played a vital role in my life.

Investing in youth education and development is important, which are the bedrock of a thriving society. Empowering our young minds with knowledge, skills, and values is investing in a brighter and more promising future.