Zita Gloria INEZA TETA, Grade 12
UWCEA Moshi
There are over 7 billion people on the planet. There might be 10 in the next 10 years or so! As my mom says, « people are just people, but there will be a time when you meet with the right ones; those who teach you lessons of life and that you always look up to. »
Mr. Gilbert is not different. As the head of the sports department, we meet often and in various circumstances. Sometimes it is about lost balls, while other times it is about me complaining of the fact that my team doesn’t have a coach. While every time is different, I always get inspired by his calmness when dealing with difficult situations, his Optimism and determination.
While he will not be with us this coming year, I always remember him as my role model. The one person who stood for me and the football team when the only person who showed up for practice was just me. Whenever I found myself alone on the pitch, he would always be ready with drills, a football and cones. He would say: « it does matter that you are alone; practice makes perfect! » we used to practice target shooting, passing and skills, such as the 360 turn and the volley. He always made sure that everyday is different and challenging for me. He was always ready to turn me into a better, disciplined player. He even put on a bib to play a one on one game with me every once in a while.
I will remember him as the only staff member who learnt my language and who would say « Muraho » instead of « mambo » whenever he met me. He was determined to show me that, as part of UWC, he valued that I get a sense of belonging and acceptance. He provided a comfortable learning environment and always built self-confidence among players. When I went to him asking to coach the U13, he never hesitated. He even came to thank me personally after earning second place in the NCAA tournament with my boys. I was proud of myself but most importantly, I felt recognized and appreciated.
Mr. Gilbert has also helped me connect with the MYP students. With his charisma and the ability to connect with everyone, I have learnt from him that I also need those connections too. Through coaching the U15 girls team, he trusted me with heavy responsibilities but was always there every step of the way to guide me. He was there to give me advice on what he thought I had to focus on during practices and how to motivate the girls to do better.
Even outside of class, Mr. Gilbert was a good mentor. He always took his time to ask everyone how they were doing. He had a great sense of humor. Sometimes, we would spend the whole evening debating about our favorite football teams.
Despite the fact that people come and go, Mr. Gilbert’s guidance and values will stay with me.I am sure of that because whenever I find myself alone on the football field , I will know what to do and I will not give up. When I coach the U15, I will remember his voice guiding me every step of the way.
Mr. Gilbert is not different. As the head of the sports department, we meet often and in various circumstances. Sometimes it is about lost balls, while other times it is about me complaining of the fact that my team doesn’t have a coach. While every time is different, I always get inspired by his calmness when dealing with difficult situations, his Optimism and determination.
While he will not be with us this coming year, I always remember him as my role model. The one person who stood for me and the football team when the only person who showed up for practice was just me. Whenever I found myself alone on the pitch, he would always be ready with drills, a football and cones. He would say: « it does matter that you are alone; practice makes perfect! » we used to practice target shooting, passing and skills, such as the 360 turn and the volley. He always made sure that everyday is different and challenging for me. He was always ready to turn me into a better, disciplined player. He even put on a bib to play a one on one game with me every once in a while.
I will remember him as the only staff member who learnt my language and who would say « Muraho » instead of « mambo » whenever he met me. He was determined to show me that, as part of UWC, he valued that I get a sense of belonging and acceptance. He provided a comfortable learning environment and always built self-confidence among players. When I went to him asking to coach the U13, he never hesitated. He even came to thank me personally after earning second place in the NCAA tournament with my boys. I was proud of myself but most importantly, I felt recognized and appreciated.
Mr. Gilbert has also helped me connect with the MYP students. With his charisma and the ability to connect with everyone, I have learnt from him that I also need those connections too. Through coaching the U15 girls team, he trusted me with heavy responsibilities but was always there every step of the way to guide me. He was there to give me advice on what he thought I had to focus on during practices and how to motivate the girls to do better.
Even outside of class, Mr. Gilbert was a good mentor. He always took his time to ask everyone how they were doing. He had a great sense of humor. Sometimes, we would spend the whole evening debating about our favorite football teams.
Despite the fact that people come and go, Mr. Gilbert’s guidance and values will stay with me.I am sure of that because whenever I find myself alone on the football field , I will know what to do and I will not give up. When I coach the U15, I will remember his voice guiding me every step of the way.
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