As a parent, I frequently think of my first coach’s teaching when I was a 6-year-old:
“To be a good gymnast: First you have to be a good person. Then you have to be a good athlete. And then, you can be a good gymnast.” – Joanne Bockian
Before anything, I want my kids to be kind global citizens, able to navigate the world with confidence.
I had the joy of taking them to The Netherlands over Spring Break. Just a mom, a teenager, and a tween.
It was pretty great.
I loved seeing their eyes light up as they ventured through Maastricht’s eerie underground tunnels, boated along Amsterdam’s canals, scanned the walls of the immense Cologne Cathedral in Germany, and tasted stroopwafels for the first time.
I loved watching them master the art of direction, moving from “I’m worried that we’re lost” to “Let me see the map…it’s this way.”
I loved observing them speak up, going from “Mom, you ask them!” to saying “Hello” and ordering themselves. They tried their best to pronounce street names and words in a language that was not their own.
On the last day, as we walked to the train station that would take us to the airport, my older one said, “Man, I’m realizing that we’re leaving a really cool place. I hope one day we can come back.” And some moments later, “I’m so happy to go home. I miss America. I miss Dad, my bed and my cat. And I miss my snacks.” Upon return, both kids eagerly told their dad about what they saw and what they learned – their eyes lighting up again.
Sport teaches discipline and perseverance, but experiences like travel shape young minds far beyond what any trophy could.
They learn perspective, adaptability, curiosity, how to connect with people different from themselves, and perhaps, how to appreciate what they already have in their lives.
They grow into not just talented athletes, but thoughtful humans who understand their place in a wider world: global citizens.
- What are some experiences or destinations outside of sports that have shaped you?
- If you are an adult who is helping to raise the next generation of athletes, how do you help nurture other parts of your young person’s development and identity? What do you hope they will learn from you?
- Where in the world would you like to visit? Why?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
All the best,
Laura
Note: This and every Athlete Illuminated post is for educational purposes only and not a replacement for mental health treatment. If you are in urgent need of mental health support, please call 9-8-8. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. For ongoing mental health concerns, consider seeking professional support or therapy.
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