My name is Vivian Shoemaker and I have many roles. I am a student. I am a golfer. I am a teammate. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a friend. But I’m here to talk about a specific role: I am a scholar. I’m currently attending Mt. San Jacinto College, aspiring to become a high school agriculture teacher, but I wouldn’t be working towards that without the help I’ve received from the SCGA Foundation. I want to thank the ambassadors for all their support in keeping me on the course and in the classroom because without it I wouldn’t be where I am today: working for my dream.
I am a freshman this year working on my second semester and it has been a challenge, but rewarding nonetheless. My first semester was when the golf season was underway. It was difficult to balance my school work and my game. I had matches twice a week, practice basically every other day, and I had to fit in going to class two days a week as well. Not to mention the countless hours spent in the library.
Now, I would be lying if I said that golf and school was all I did the past two semesters. I was a teenager at times when I should have been more responsible with my school work, so I feel my grades suffered for it. I’ve learned to not let the athletics and social life that comes with it put a damper in academics: school isn’t cheap and doing your best with the little time spent there is of the upmost importance. Don’t get side tracked from your goals.
Secondly, don’t take your time in school for granted. College years fly by, so appreciate and embrace all the ups and downs it comes with, including the special time in your life that you get to play the game that you love. It won’t last forever so enjoy it while it lasts. That sweet satisfaction of sinking a long putt and seeing your opponents jaw drop, it is a feeling that makes you feel so fully alive. This past season I’ve had some ugly days as well as heart pounding, life changing days. One such match was when my some-what healed sprained ankle twisted again. My coach taped it up on hole seven, and I kept playing. During that match my determination had more drive than the pain because I knew I had to overcome it for myself and my teammates. So I played through it and that restriction of movement must have actually helped because by the end of that long day I posted my all-time best score of 83. That day taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you can’t ever give up. Keep fighting and fighting for what you want and you will succeed.
During the past year, as a scholar, I have had the opportunities for some great experiences. I’ve gotten to know some great people that work for SCGA that have been so friendly and supportive of me and my dreams. I had the privilege to meet Jerry West at the Scholar Dinner in Los Angeles, which was an amazing night. He had such great words of wisdom that I couldn’t help but be inspired by. I also helped out at the SCGA Foundation Golf Marathon, which was a blast meeting all the other scholars like me and the good people who work and support the Foundation. My experiences so far with the Foundation have all been positive ones and I’ve really come to appreciate and understand just how much everyone who is a part of it truly cares and want a better future for the young generation. It’s incredible to me that there is that much generosity and love still in the world. So thank you SCGA for all that you have done for me. You have given me the chance to play the game I love and allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher.
