Author: jlee

Elizabeth Gong attends John Deere Drive Your Future Academy

Before applying to this event, I had heard that it was an amazing experience where I would meet new people from around the nation. I expected to have a “life-changing” week because of this. In the end, it definitely lived up to its reputation. 

Since the event was in my hometown, I wasn’t expecting to be exposed to any new experiences. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I have lived in San Francisco for almost 18 years, but I had never been on a boat ride going under the Golden Gate Bridge – until John Deere Drive Your Future Academy. 

 My first day arriving at the event, I was nervous to meet so many new girls, but they all turned out to be some of the kindest, funniest people I have ever met. Staying at the dorms gave me a taste of what my future college life would be like, and it made me even more excited for college than I already was before. Everyday, we got the chance to play amazing golf courses and listen to a panel of inspiring female leaders give us advice about our futures. I learned about the importance of networking, how I project myself will influence the way other people view me, and to create the society that I want to see. I will remember every single woman that spoke to us because each and every one of them had individual successes and advice. 

The piece of advice that stuck with me the most was that I, as a woman, have the power to do anything I want, as long as I work hard for it. There are always going to be obstacles, but if I can push through them, I’m paving a path for girls in the future by representing female empowerment. 

My last night of the event was bittersweet. I was really sad to say goodbye to my new friends the next morning, but it was really cool to see how close I had gotten to a group of girls in the span of just 4 days. It was 100% worth it to stay in San Francisco for this event, it was like seeing the same city with a fresh pair of eyes. 

After attending the event, I was shocked that I could see my city as brand new after living here my whole life. Overall, John Deere Drive Your Future Academy was the most fun, exciting, packed 4 days I have ever had – and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. 

Watch Elizabeth’s experience here.

Written by: Elizabeth Gong

John Deere Drive Your Future Academy was held June 6 to June 10, 2022 in San Francisco, CA.

A Message from our Board President

Dear Supporter,

As you may be aware, our founder Frank “Sandy” Tatum Jr. recently passed away at the age of 96. Sandy enjoyed an incredible life and his legacy will live on for generations, particularly through First Tee — San Francisco. Sandy’s passion for teaching underserved youth the great game of golf and its inherent values has had a deep impact on countless young people. His leadership has been truly inspirational and your support has been critical to the success of our program.

Our Chapter continues to thrive and I wanted to briefly share with you a few mid-year updates. We are currently implementing strategies to broaden our reach in San Francisco through additional partnerships with after-school providers and the San Francisco Unified School District. The program expansion to the peninsula has begun and we look forward to bringing the First Tee Life Skills Curriculum to multiple school districts in San Mateo County this fall. Several key enhancements have been added to our year-round high impact program the Future Foursome. Most notably, a college prep counselor is working with our high school students and parents providing much needed guidance this summer and throughout the year.

Lastly, the First Tee program is working effectively as recent research concludes. Eighty-five percent of alumni credit First Tee for helping them be a better student and ninety percent of alumni consider themselves lifelong golfers. As Sandy eluded to in a tribute by noted sportswriter Jaime Diaz, “But to see them light up and be transformed by the values and structure and enjoyment that our game offers has been the ultimate affirmation of what I’ve longed believed.” We will give you another update as we near year-end, and, again, thank you so much for your support!

Sincerely,

Scott Sollers
President, Board of Directors
First Tee — San Francisco

Written: June 2017