Our Story

A Year to Remember

The sun beamed down to warm the Columbia football field on Friday April 30th as the 6th graders from Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School orderly marched into the stadium to spend an afternoon in celebration of a successful founding year of Level The Field. After a warm welcome from Ms. Woda and her staff, the 6th graders split into their crew classrooms and were joined by the Columbia athletes, who had been visiting them each week for the past semester. With hugs, high fives, and smiles all around, it was evident that connections had been made in the classrooms, during the clinics and at the games throughout this past year.

I sat in a circle on the turf with my crew, which evenly divided up the pizza we were graciously provided. Steven poured drinks for those around him while James boldly took responsibility for the cleanliness of our area after finishing the food. When our crew teacher Mr. Newlin claimed he was 68 years old, a lively debate sparked among the students of how to go about proving his actual age, leading them to ask such questions as "Which president was in office when you were born?" and "Were your baby pictures in black and white or color?" As Idelca passionately argued her case with the other students, I saw a future lawyer, one whom I certainly would never want to come up against in court.

Looking around at the young faces I had come to know so well over the past semester I remembered the Thursday afternoons I spent each week at WHEELS. The first week was a little nerve-wracking not knowing what to expect, but I was instantly relieved as I stepped into a classroom of smiling faces, eager to lend their ears, open minds, and interesting thoughts to our group of athletes for the following half hour. Each week the students became more actively involved in our discussions on character building topics such as teamwork, appreciation, and overcoming obstacles.

I can clearly visualize the day we talked about overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. At the beginning of the session we asked those students to stand who knew they could attend college. I was shocked when the entire class did not rise out of their chairs. I wanted to scream, "Yes, Yes, you can do it!" I realized that day, how much I had taken my parents and my upbringing for granted. In my family, attending college was an expectation. My parents discussed with me not only the benefits, but the necessity of getting a good education, as well as the importance of extending myself in extracurricular activities. Though I may not have fully appreciated it at the time, they were there to turn off the television, drive me to soccer practice, and help me with my homework, constantly guiding me along the track towards college.

As my fellow Columbia teammates and I discussed with our groups some of the obstacles we face on a daily basis, I realized that the students did not necessarily have the same encouragement and support that I was provided growing up. We spoke with the students about their ability to do anything they set their mind to. In order to encourage them to see college as an attainable and desirable goal, we discussed the opportunities for financial aid and scholarships, tutors to help you in a tough subject, and a few motivating factors such as the chance to go to school anywhere in the United States or even other countries. The students were trusting enough to share with us the inspiring dreams they have for their lives, and I, along with my fellow teammates and Mr. Newlin, ensured them that we were there to help them reach their goals, emphasizing the importance of getting a good education. I am happy to report that by the end of the session each student had a more positive outlook on his or her ability to attend college, and I was inspired and determined to help guide them to this goal. I can only imagine the positive impact these kids could have on the world with a little encouragement and support.

After an afternoon of pizza, capture the soccer ball, and student awards, the Level the Field closing ceremonies came to an end. I hugged my students goodbye and watched them file out of the stadium, knowing it would be a long summer ahead without our weekly meetings. As I fought the urge to run up the hill for a second round of hugs, I realized that the inspiration, hope and guidance I had wished to share with my LTF students, they had so selflessly given to me. I am hooked: a Level-The-Fielder for life. Although I cannot properly express my appreciation to Ms. Woda, her staff and everyone who made this relationship between our two schools possible, I can certainly say that I will be back next year and I look forward to continuing our journey together.

- Marissa Schultz, Columbia Women's Soccer