You may remember Jaidence from the SquashBusters 2017-2018 impact report, when he was a member of the first class of sixth graders in Providence. Now, Jaidence is about to pioneer another first. He is part of the first group of 12th graders to graduate.
Thinking back to why he joined SquashBusters, Jaidence sensed something different and special about the community. This sense of community has kept him engaged since sixth grade. “That was part of what brought me into SQB, other than the sport itself. It felt more warm, welcoming, and inviting. It felt nice to be there. You felt like you belonged.”
Filled with gratitude for the opportunities SquashBusters has provided him, Jaidence loves the person he’s become, partly due to SquashBusters. “I have learned to see different points of view and I realize that there are different ways to do things. It has made me more accepting of others.”
Joining SquashBusters in sixth grade was a turning point for him. His parents often emphasized how important grades were, but it felt different when his academic advisors asked about his grades, and so things changed. He started studying for tests and doing homework. “They helped push me beyond my limits, making me do more than I thought I could do. And they helped me realize that when I tried and applied myself, when I challenged myself, I could do anything.”
Not only did he realize he could improve his academics and get A’s on tests, but he also realized he could succeed outside the classroom. “SquashBusters helped me realize I could try harder. Aim higher.” Through different activities, he gradually became a leader. His confidence grew, and he became more outgoing and expressive. He credits this change to the staff, coaches, and especially Rodney for supporting and believing in him. “Rodney has helped me out since sixth grade, making me more outgoing. He involved me in the little things, like the closing circle, and that’s helped transform me.”
Rodney has been a significant influence and guide for him. He recalls something Rodney said to him one day while playing squash that has always stuck with him. “You have to hit the ball with a purpose. You need to know where you want it to land.” He applies this to both squash and his future and now does everything with that same purpose.
And after spending a couple of weeks over the summer at the Architecture Institute at Temple University, Jaidence will be using everything he learned as he spends his senior year taking accelerated classes at a local college. While nervous, he feels extremely prepared and knows he has the support of SquashBusters.
And because of the support of the coaches and advisors, he is looking forward to the college application process, knowing he has their support as he navigates his senior year.
Jaidence’s journey is just beginning; his journey at SquashBusters is far from over, but he has come a long way from the sixth grader who wasn’t even sure what squash was. His future excites him, and he has grown, become more confident, and is eager to take the lessons he has learned from his mentors, academic coordinators, and squash coaches with him wherever he goes.