“The ACE program is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself into a new culture. Taking time out of my summer to develop my leadership skills, teach the youth in China, and grow personally is worth every second of that time. I am hoping I am able to use this experience to positively benefit my team and others around me.”
Haley’s past experiences with service include advising younger student-athletes as an ACTION Mentor and participating in Athletes in Action, a Christian student-athlete group. Haley is the community service coordinator for Duke Women’s Field Hockey, where the team regularly volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House. Haley also volunteers to read to children in Durham’s public schools.
Dear Future #ACEathletes,
- Best advice for learning about ACE: One should talk with Emily or other ACE ambassadors to get a feel for each program. Some of the programs were drastically different and one should know which one they’d prefer so that they can give their all to that program.
- Best advice for getting started at your program: It’s important to embrace all of the surroundings in the first couple of days. It is easy to set expectations and judge a circumstance but it is critical to simply take everything in and get ready for the coming weeks. I encourage one to be fully engaged with group reflections throughout the program because this is how I got to know my group best.
- Tips for getting to know your community: I think it’s important to engage in conversation with people in the community. Also, starting a conversation with on-site staff shows them that you care about getting to know them which is encouraging for them.
- Tips for training: I absolutely loved training with the other athletes in my program. There was something so powerful and special about all of us working so hard for a similar goal and pushing each other regardless of sport. There are some days you don’t want to workout because the days get long, however, you feel much better after a workout and are re-energized for the rest of the day. Also, running is also a great opportunity to explore the surrounding community on your own.
- Reasons for staying involved in ACE: I think it is an incredible opportunity for student-athletes to embrace a culture drastically different from their own. The program gave me friendships that will last way longer than the program did and a broader perspective of the world.