Every year for the past three, I have made a trip to New York to teach tennis for a week, among other things. If the faithful readers recall, an article was published this time last year detailing one of those trips. So, this article is once again being written from Bridgehampton, New York, from the library of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Bronfman Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bronfman have been faithful visitors to Anguilla for many years now and indeed love the island and its people. For that reason, Mr. Bronfman has been a monumental figure in the design and development of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. Mitch Lake, Founder and President of the ATA, has spoken with him on many occasions and has served as a great inspiration to Mr. Lake and his dreams.

Jason Allen

I have said on many occasions to tennis students that if one really excels in the sport, it can take him or her anywhere in the world. Tennis is a difficult and demanding sport at the professional level, yet there is also a very strong social level. By simply being able to teach tennis and play well, people will invite you all over the world just to play! It is a great way to meet people and travel. Yet, in reflecting on my time up here, it is not only tennis that can take you places in life, it is working with youth as well. Therefore, this edition of Celebration of Youth is geared towards young adults who are finishing school or have been out of school for a while and do not know what to do. Work with the youth! It is an immensely fulfilling feeling when one is able to teach a young person to be successful at something. Working with youth is fulfilling in so many ways; for starters, it is just fun; one will also not lose touch with their own youthful spirit; it gives one an opportunity to start rearing children which will help when one decides to have their own family; although the pay is not always the best, there are loads of opportunities to travel and participate in fun activities.

For years I personally have been confused about which career path to take. It has only been recent that I have finally realized that I have not chosen to work with youth, it has chosen me. I urge all young people to consider working with youth as a viable career path. Anguilla is in great need of professional people who want to go to school and come back in order to make a considerable contribution to their country. The Department of Probation is currently looking to fill almost six full time jobs and I am sure that the Department of Social Development is always desperately needing new staff. If any young persons are interested, one can find information from Mrs. Anita Martin-Ruan at the new Guidance Unit at Campus A.

As my time here in New York is ending, I must sit back and ponder how fortunate I have been to meet so many wonderful people and children whom I have impacted. Yet, looking deeper, I feel they have impacted me much more than I thought as I have finally realized my own career path after a decade of agonizing about what to do in my life.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bronfman, the ATA and its Board of Directors once again thank you for all your assistance and guidance. To Aaron, Erik, Bettina, Tutti, Frank, James, Peter, Andres, Pablo, Santiago, Elisa and Clara; I had a great time and look forward to seeing you again next year and I thank you for the meaningful introspection.

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