AVID Career Exploration Day with the Miami Dolphins

AVID CAREER EXPLORATION DAY WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

A day such as this one does not happen without planning.

A day such as this one does not happen if no one is there to see it through.

A day such as this does not happen without a vision.

A day such as this does not happen without sacrafice.

A day such as this is meant for the "Diamonds in the rough..."

A day such as this was meant for AVID!

On Sunday, November 17, 2013 @ 11 a.m. a group of 750 students, teachers and parents enjoyed an opportunity of a lifetime at the Inaugural AVID Career Exploration Day held inside Sun Life Stadium on behalf of the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, FL.

The Career Exploration was the first of its kind between AVID (a unique college readiness program) and the NFL's Miami Dolphins. The day was comprised of an Executive Panel of Miami Dolphins employees, a Networking Breakout Session, a Commemorative Group photo, Individual Group tours, accompanied by live activations with the United States Tennis Association of Florida and the big kicker at the end... A 20-16 game-winning, thriller of a performance by the Miami Dolphins as they defeated the San Diego Chargers during the NFL's Salute to Service Game.

Students traveled from all over the state of Florida. A special thanks goes out to all of the following AVID programs for participating:

• Deltona High School
• Bay Point Middle School  
• University High School
• West Glades School
• Clewiston Middle School
• Marathon High School
• Lake Minneola High School
• Tavares High School
• Tavares Middle School
• Hardee Junior High
• Palm Beach Lakes High School
• Deland High School
• Glades Central Community High
• Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School
• Odyssey Middle School
• McNair Magnet School
• Atlantic Community High School
• EAU Gallie High School
• Leesburg High

THANK YOU!!!

For the soul who wanted more out of life...
For the child whom the world had counted out...
For the one who was strong, steady and capable but just needed a jump start; some encouragement or simply one opportunity, we salute you!

Not only was this day a salute to our Armed Forces but also a salute to the many individuals who allowed themselves to fall in love with AVID. This day was a salute to those who entrusted their future success in the hands of the AVID model and committed to a lifestyle of excellence. We salute you! One salute to Mary Catherine Swanson and her vision in the 1980s. One salute to the first 32 students and the now more than 700,000 students in more than 4,900 schools and 28 post secondary institutions in 46 states.
AVID we salute you!

Ironically enough, behind the planning of such a wonderful event was indeed a former AVID student! Meet Orlando Gunn, Group Sales Representative for the Miami Dolphins who also honored his father, Retired Army 1SGT Orlando Gunn Sr. for his 24 years of service. 

"As a kid, I had a dream that making it to the NFL was possible...and as I grew older I quickly realized it wouldn't be easy but, I never quit. AVID played a significant role in my journey and since then, its always been on my heart to give back to AVID." said Orlando Gunn.

When Orlando looks back at his past, he realizes that AVID was the cornerstone that allowed him to build the dreams which are currently his reality.

"AVID prepared me to take a tougher course load, which taught me to face adversity as well as speak up during my struggles and humble myself to ask the right questions. AVID taught me the significance of giving back to my community as a kid when I didn't understand why picking up trash mattered. It was AVID that opened my eyes to college by giving the gift of college visits," he said.

For Orlando, a teacher took an interest in him as he found himself sitting alone in the lunch room of Mannheim Middle School in Mannheim, Germany. He says an AVID teacher gave him an opportunity when everyone else discounted him as the new kid, which ultimately was the catalysts to his success.

"Sometimes...an opportunity is all we need. Sometimes we just need one individual to take a chance on us...for me, that was AVID," said Orlando.
AVID students showered both Orlando and the rest of the Miami Dolphins panelist with questions such as...

What universities they attended? What was their Major selected?  And, what was their definition of success?

The panel (Left to right), was comprised of the Host: Orlando Gunn (AVID Alumni), Dave Mack (Group Sales Manager), Nick Forro (VP of Sales), Claudia Lezcano (Sr. VP Chief Marketing Officer) and Leslie Nixon (Dir. of Government and Community Affairs).

Students were given insight into the professional world of sports such as the primary functions of each department within the Miami Dolphins organization, description of a typical day on the job and even gained insight to both tough and personal struggles through each panelist's journy toward success.

With all the excitement, the learning and fun, this was truly a day to remember; a day that Orlando Gunn marks as the day he found his purpose!

Orlando D. Gunn Jr.

Life's most persistent and urgent question, 'What are you doing for others?' MLK

www.orlandogunn.com

For more information about AVID visit: http://www.avid.org/
For more information about USTAFL visit: http://www.florida.usta.com/

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Embrace Your Struggle w/ A Humble Hustle

The Time Is Now... on everything!

No need to look back. No need to worry. Keep your chin up and keep the faith high.

Regardless of your start, its all about your finish. 

Regardless of your hand, its about how you play'em.

Stop feeling sorry for yourself. 

Stop blaming others for your shortcomings. 

You were given the same breath as the next man. Despite our differences, our finances and our advantages...we share a dance with 24. Don't spend your time merely neglecting her, lounging around and wasting her youth. However, be diligent and direct with her. Treat her like a gentleman treats a lady. Understand her strengths as well as her weaknesses. Caress her slow, yet gently keep encouraging her to remain on your good side. Listen to her cries and heed her warnings...for she is a Woman, not a girl.

For every second, every minute, every hour you're sleep or wasting the hot water in the shower, I'm grinding... Like the ant...I'm still working, still building, still storing. No ruler ordering me about however its the FOMO "Fear of missing out." Like a Laser, I keep focus; Like Peter, I dare to fly. As to resuscitate, I keep the dreams alive; I keep the hustle because it enables me to survive.

I'm married to obsession, after divorcing complacency. I know who I am after being lost to my identity. If they thought I couldn't do it...take a look at me now. Don't become distracted. Don't become weary now. Eyes on the prize...no left, no right and sooner or later, I'll notice no haters in sight. 

For my ambition was always innate...it wasn't developed but enhanced. If I'm not known for anything else in this world...they're going to love me for my ambition. 

Its easy to dream a dream but whats harder than living... I'm in love with my Ambition.

Humble Hustle Stand Up!

OG

Miami Dolphins Day with OG's AVID "Young Scholars"

Dear Young Scholar,

Congratulations! Thank you! I'm proud of you! Job well done! You are special to me! Keep up the great work thus far! I'm praying for you! I believe in you! Most importantly...You are LOVED!

At this point in time...I have in no way, shape or form, "Made it!" Truth be told, I'm just getting started and just like you, my future is bright; if I might add... no brighter than yours! My life has been a constant reflection of the company I keep, constantly believing in myself, putting God first, fighting to make my dreams a reality along with having a constant relentless pursuit of hard work and Championship Effort in all I do. Oh and having my teachers, coaches and parents believe in me.

It wasn't too long ago that I had a guest speaker come and visit me. In fact, just recently I finished my Master's Degree and we'd have them every Friday for an entire year. Whether it was a former Miss America, a famous athlete or a local hero, it didn't matter; I listened. I'm here for you. This letter is to you. This moment in time is ALL for you! November 17, 2013 @ 4pm vs. the San Diego Chargers is a day to celebrate! Perhaps I was destined to be here... to encourage you; to educate you on having a humble hustle on your journey through AVID and toward success. Remember, Life is merely a constant reflection of the everyday decisions you make; I'm here to encourage you that AVID was one of your BEST decisions yet! So, keep making the right ones!

For me it was simple: Learn From Others' Mistakes, Dream Big, Trust My Struggle.

Why must you make your own mistakes when all of your friends will simply make the mistakes for you? Learn from them (your friends); they are pretty good  teachers you know. lol

Ask yourself a few questions about each one of your friends:

Are they in AVID? Do they make you happy?
Do they encourage you when you're having bad days? Are they there for you in a time of need? Do they pick on other kids at your school? Are they full of gossip and drama? Do your parents approve of them? Do they have the highest grades in your class? Do they have dreams, goals and aspirations of being great? Have they been in trouble with the law? Do they fight or steal? Lastly, do they do the right thing when no one is watching and are they pressuring you to join them?

These are a few simple questions that will help you identify both positive and negative people in your life. Regardless of where you are in life...you'll need to analyze the people around you everyday.

Dream Big: No matter what...keep dreaming. As a kid, I had several dreams. Along the way some changed and some remained the same. However, there was one dream that remained most vivid... making it to the NFL! And, I'm proud to say...almost 20 years later, its come true! #DreamDeferred

A few others were to live in Miami, attend the University of Miami, have a place to call home along the water and live near the beach...guess what? I'm living my dream! I'm not writing these things to brag and boast...its simply an inspiration for you.

If a little fat kid from the middle of nowhere Texas can transform into an AVID "Young Scholar", honor roll recipient, college graduate, national champion, masters graduate and land a job in the NFL, anything is possible. I simply allowed teachers to pour into my life. I chose wisely when it came to friends and relationships. I accepted the struggles that I had and never gave up. My father always told me, "Son, there is nothing free in this world. If you want something you've got to go get it; work for it; make it happen. And, if you do all these things, I will forever be proud of you and you; proud of yourself."

AVID Young Scholars, its my wish for you to do the very same thing. To be all you can be; To dream the biggest of dreams; To accept your misfortunes as well as embrace your struggles; To choose the right group of friends and more importantly learn from their mistakes.

In order to get something you've never had before, you've got to do something you've never done before. Enjoy the gift of life. Laugh. Love. Live. You've got it easy right now, just wait and see.

:) But just in case,

I'm here if you need me...

Former LSU Running Back & 2007 National Champion
Orlando Gunn

God Bless,

Orlando D. Gunn Jr.
Twitter: @orlandogunn
IG: @orlandeaux
Web: www.orlandogunn.com

For more information on AVID visit: http://www.avid.org/abo_whatisavid.html