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?
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
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