Mateo Manzanares- I knew in my heart that I would one day receive this scholarship, but that did not stop me from giving all I had to give to The First Tee of Denver. I believe I will be the first alum from this chapter to go on and play Division I Men’s Golf. I attribute a lot of this accomplishment to the program. The caring coaches and mentors of The First Tee of Denver taught me not only how to play golf, but also love the sport for its rich history and core values. National First Tee opportunities opened my eyes to reality of continuing to play golf at a high level. I only have one opportunity to play collegiate sports. The scholarship is going to a proven student who will excel at a university in the same way as I have at Kent Denver High School. I have a work ethic that is unmatched, and I enjoy challenges. I plan to build upon my public speaking and become a more persuasive speaker, and most likely go to school to be a politician or lawyer. My unique experiences render holistic contributions to difficult issues. My passion for human rights and equality, accompanied by my love for philosophy and reading will function strongly with my significant understandings of how a world could operate. Moving forward as an alum of the program, I will undoubtedly need to call back on the network I have formed with The First Tee of Denver and their donors and sponsors. I can see myself working for other non-profit youth development organizations. I will undoubtedly find a way to give back to my diverse communities in Denver, Colorado. I will partner myself with people of integrity and encounter other pioneers of justice at Hampton University. I am going to a place that encourages students to seek greater meanings in all that they do and use their influence for the benefit of other’s.