A letter to Norman from Nicaragua Alum, Dorian

Dorian is 17 years old and participated in Nicaragua’s Lacrosse the Nations programs for 3 consecutive years through high school, namely one of LtN’s highest performing student-athletes within LtN’s Scholar Program - a program wherein 94% of scholarship recipients improved their overall GPA’s from the year prior.

Upon Dorian’s graduation from high school and from LtN’s lacrosse and scholar programs, Dorian was accepted to university in the city of Managua. In his first year in college, Dorian felt the need to reflect on his gratitude and learnings with Country Director, Norman.

Here is his note:

“I am currently in the first year of university, at the National University of Engineering, studying Computer Engineering. Many things have changed since I enrolled in lacrosse, from my personal self to my style and quality of life, things in which Lacrosse was a great help to me, all the teachings I have received with you have helped me grow as a person. Not to mention the great financial help that I got thanks to the scholarship program, my family was positively affected thanks to this great support. I can't forget to talk about the love I received, Lacrosse always treats all students with an exceptional love, a love that feels special to each one of us. And just like you all have given me your care, I have great appreciation and a huge space in my heart or you, the coaches, and my teammates - such is the case that I cannot imagine a life in which I was not in your organization.

“If I had the opportunity to choose again if I want to enter LtN, I would always say yes, every time they asked me. I love you all, each and every one of the members of this great project.

”Lacrosse never discriminated against me, never judged me, never singled me out. Lacrosse taught me that I can be myself, but much better. Lacrosse taught me that we all have a great person inside, but it only takes a little push, a little help to bring out our talent and skills.

“Lacrosse always saw something in me, even when I couldn't see it myself. You helped me see that spark that we all have, you helped me bring it out better than anyone. Lacrosse taught me respect, Lacrosse taught me discretion, Lacrosse taught me camaraderie, Lacrosse taught me to leave everything out there, Lacrosse taught me to apologize and communicate, Lacrosse taught me that I can always give more of myself.

“But the most important thing that Lacrosse taught me was that I was never alone, despite everything that happened, I always knew that I had a helping hand in any of the LtN members, you never turned your back on me, and that's what I most appreciation from you.

“You, my coaches, and my teammates were always willing to support me in whatever I needed, and that has no price. The scholarship program was undoubtedly one of the greatest aid that I have received from you, the mere fact that you paid for all the school supplies was a support that had a great positive impact on me and even on my family. For 3 consecutive years you paid for those expenses, for 3 years you supported my education, and I have made the most of it and I promise that I will not disappoint you in that regard.

“I cannot do more than thank you for everything that you have done for me and even for my family, I would not be where I am I would not be who I am if it had not been for you, I offer you infinite thanks, thousands of thanks for everything, you are one one of the best things that have happened in my entire life, thank you very much.”

— Dorian, 17, LtN Club Hope Alum

The LtN Volunteer Experience

by Javier Silva (LtN Executive Director)

With our programs on hold, we have taken time to reflect on what makes them so impactful, who they benefit, and how. We focus a tremendous amount on the students who come to practice and the local coaches who work with them, and rightfully so – it’s a big part of our work.

However, our mission is fueled by the passion and dedication of young lacrosse players and coaches across the US. The impact they have on our programs is huge. What our young volunteers get out of their time in our programs is massive and we don’t talk about it enough. The list of benefits of volunteering with LtN is long, but I’ve narrowed it down to the biggest three.

1. Cultural Immersion

The time our volunteers spend working at our international sites introduces them to new people, food, experiences, challenges and opportunities. Living for an extended period in a place that is so different from home teaches our volunteers to be open to opposing points of views, to embrace a new way of thinking and to be grateful for what they have. They bring these new perspectives home with them and create a ripple effect much larger than themselves.

2. The Extreme Resume Booster

LtN does not have a large staff so our volunteers are given big time responsibilities. They get to dive head first into various aspects of our organization. Everything from executing and evaluating programs to social media and fundraising strategy. This opportunity offers volunteers valuable insight into the nonprofit world. Volunteering with LtN provides tangible projects volunteers can highlight on their resume that will make them stand out later on in their careers.

3. Personal Discovery

The cornerstone of the volunteer experience is growth. Our volunteers come home knowing much more about themselves as individuals and professionals. They discover strengths and weaknesses. They realize what they like, and what they don’t. Our volunteers come home with a better understanding of how sports can be used to improve the lives of others. The role we play in it and how powerful they are in making that change possible. Ultimately, our volunteers come home a better version of themselves.

A major goal in growing our impact is to offer more opportunities for members of the US lacrosse community to travel, serve and self-discover. As the world slowly begins to reopen, we look forward to welcoming a new group of volunteers to our international sites so they can build off the work of the volunteers who came before them to make our programs stronger. All the while, growing as individuals and finding their place in the world.

Powerful Lessons from Unexpected Teachers

Carla (8), Bocas del Toro player.

While there are many lessons that coaches can teach their players, some of the best lessons we learn come from our teammates. Whether it be about having more effective communication or how to dodge better, these moments of mutual learning from our peers are special. At LtN programs in Bocas del Toro, Panama, these moments occur weekly! I would like to share one interaction between two of our players - Carla and Silas - that struck me as particularly heartwarming and supportive. 

About a month ago, our players and I were scrimmaging for the last part of practice. The teams were split boys vs. girls. After about 10 minutes of gametime, the boys were up by 3 goals. As we were resetting for a new face-off, I noticed that eight-year-old Carla had dropped her stick and looked on the verge of angry tears. 

When I asked her what was wrong, she managed to tell me through stifled tears, “Maria, we aren’t going to win. Boys are so much stronger and better than girls!” Instantly, my demeanor changed - I went from sympathetic to serious in a flash. We locked eyes and I informed her, “Carla, girls are just as good as boys. Please never think - even for a second - that you are not as strong or not as good as they are. That is simply not true.” Before she could respond to respond, Silas came over to where we were standing.

Silas (10), Bocas del Toro player.

He held up his arm and flexed his muscle and said to her, “Carlita, feel my arm. Am I strong? Do I have any muscles? Nope! Now, feel Maria’s arm.” I made a muscle with my arm and let her gently squeeze it. Her face relaxed a little.

Silas continued, “Look how strong Maria is. She is so much stronger than I am, and she is a girl. See, boys are not stronger than girls. Girls can be even more strong!” As Carla sniffled away her tears, took a breath and nodded her head, I was shocked into awed silence.

No one had told Silas to do that - he chose to help his teammate with a very important life lesson all on his own. And it worked, for Carla picked up her stick and resumed playing. This time, she wore a smile on her face.

This exchange between Silas and Carla exemplifies the incredible power of mutual learning, the value of teammates who care for one another, and the opportunities for life lessons that our programs provide youth in the communities in which we work. Though this one happened to underscore the importance of gender equality - an element that is often lacking in Bocas culture - it is just one example of the many ways our players learn and grow together. Since then, I am very pleased to report that Carla’s confidence has soared and not once has she doubted her capabilities because of her gender.

Thank you Silas for being an awesome teammate!

— Maria, Panama Program Director