Position: Outfielder
Hometown: Gastonia, North Carolina
Grad Year: 2026
One day in particular on this trip really changed how I look at my life.
We spent time with girls who live in an orphanage and do not have parents. I knew it might be emotional, but I was not ready for how much it would actually affect me. Their living conditions were not good, and they have way less than what most of us are used to having every day. But what stood out the most was not what they did not have, it was how they acted.
They were some of the happiest and most energetic people I have ever met. They were smiling, laughing, and welcoming us like we were family. They were open about their lives and still chose to be kind and positive. That really hit me.
It made me realize how much we complain about small things like school, practice, or not getting what we want right away. A lot of those girls would be grateful just to have the opportunities I have through baseball and school.
This was only one day, but it is an experience I will always remember. It is teaching me to be more grateful for what I have and not take things for granted.
