Student Destiny Valadez Overcomes Challenges Through STF Program

How has STF and tennis challenged and rewarded your growth?

My name is Destiny, when I first entered Serve the future I had never played tennis before. I was so nervous and well I did not know what I was doing at all. I’m only 11 and I really do not get to do a lot with my two older brothers Seth and Nathaniel. I get to learn something new with my two older brother’s by my side. I have a lot of anxiety, plus I get scared of new things especially when I am doing something new and different. I have noticed that tennis helps me with my health and my mental health. 

The past several months I have gotten really good at hitting the tennis ball, at least I seem to think so. Playing tennis helps challenge me when I do not feel like playing, or I am really tired. For example, sometimes I am so tired and I think there is no way I can do this, but then my coach encourages me to at least try. Once I get out there I feel like wow I did it. 

At my school they have cross country. I had never done that before but because of Serve the Future I tried out for our school's cross country team. I did it plus I stuck it out for the entire season. Being in this program has also made me feel more confident in myself for example at school with my teachers and friends. It has also made me feel more confident in my overall willingness to try new things, at least try them once because you never know unless you try.

Something that means so much to me is when mom comes to watch me, my older brother Seth and my older brother Nathaniel play. I have noticed my mom is the only parent that stays to watch all the kids play tennis. This means so much to me because my mom has been very sick. She had a brain tumor and a brain aneurysm. There were some moments when my mom could not come watch us play tennis. I felt sad knowing she was so sick. My mom just had brain surgery. I can not wait for her to come back, sit in her chair and watch all us kids play tennis. My mom loves taking pictures of us while we play. She says it creates memories that we will appreciate when we are older. This program not only has helped me be more confident in school but it has also helped me be with my family. It is a weekly event that we look forward to doing together. 

One last thing that I want to mention is that although at times playing tennis has not always been easy, it has been fun. I believe I am the youngest player that attends. Sometimes I feel out of place with all the teenagers, but they always treat me so nice. The coaches always encourage me to try and to try and do my best. For that I would like to say thank you. I look forward to the next time we meet up again.

Destiny Valadez
Madison Meadows
6th grade
1 year in STF