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Preparation Removes Doubt

While attending homecoming at Grambling State University, I asked myself “Is everyone’s homecoming as fun as ours?”

The question that soon followed was “Is the value of my education equal to or better than my fellow man?”

“Wow, this line of thinking while at a football game” was difficult for me to fathom.

I wondered if the poor play calling and lack of execution weighed negatively on my soul.

At this point, I had to determine where this train of thought was coming from.

Was it simply curiosity or was it truly rooted in doubt?

When looking at this logically, with regards to the education inquiry, ”What makes a UT, Notre Dame or USC graduate better than a Grambling, Huston-Tillotson or Tuskegee graduate?” The answer is “Nothing”; all of them are accredited schools. What comes into play is the public’s perception of each school and the effort each student exerts. The perception that the bigger aforementioned schools are better is simply based on exposure. What is the most important factor that breeds exposure? ‘MONEY’! Does money alone make one school better than another?

Hypothetically, if English teachers at a BCS school and at a HBCU both have doctorial degrees from the same institution, they teach out of the same book, and two students both receive A’s in their respective class, “Can the student at the BCS school speak better than the HBCU student? My guess is “No”. The key is they both made As and are probably equally prepared for success. However, if you are a “C” student at an HBCU, the transcript will show that even the “A” student at your own school is a better student.

Looking back, my GPA may be the origin of this concern. I did not give 100%.

Although the notion that these well known institutions are better may hold true in some cases, “Why does this myth exist?” It appears to be linked to systemic, psychological, and cultural forces. What we see and hear is what we tend to believe. In some cases, these type misnomers are past down from those we love and trust most.

Are you able to personally digest this perspective and overcome your own unfounded perceptions?

What is the foundation of your beliefs? May it be centered in Curiosity, Doubt, Facts and/or Faith?

Here’s another scenario you may be able to help me sort through:

When playing golf at my home course, the 426 yard Par 4 3rd hole offers a 228 yard carry over a canyon with a creek bottom. I routinely drive the golf ball over this obstacle with no problem. However, when I travel around the country to play competitively, this same type drive attempt is hit into the trouble and penalty strokes are incurred. Why does this happen? Is it because the grass is greener and the water is bluer in Florida? I contend that it has to do with preparation. I am familiar with the surroundings at my home course and it rarely involves the pressures of competition. This comfort level leads to the ability to produce positive swing thoughts and a productive stroke. When it matters and the unknown is present, fear is the prevailing thought. This emotion lends itself to nervousness. In turn, doubt creeps in.

This brings me to the point of the message. The most important factor in creating a level playing field is preparation. Clearly defined goals should be established early. As a result, the proper focus on preparing will lead to increasing one’s ability to perform at a high level even when in a foreign environment.

Where you come from and where you prepare do not determine your destiny.

Whether we practice on the majestic courts of the East Side’s Rosewood Recreation Center or study in the momentous classrooms of Reagan High School, if we give 100%, we can be confident when taking our talents to the Courtyard Country Club and to the campus of UT alike.

You ultimately are what you prepare to be!

As the 'peeps in yo hood' may say “That’s 100”.

And as we may hear this Sunday morning, “Am I right about it?”

Coach Ken Blakely

Metroplex Tennis Association

"Chip and Charge, The Volley is a Powerful Thing"