Salif Gets a Letter of Intent!

I am sitting on Tipper's dog-cage blanket on a hard, cold marble floor at the JFK airport, exhausted, emotionally overwrought from the good-byes and left-handed handshakes (given in Senegal when you say good-bye for a long-time, something "wrong" to be corrected when you meet again).  There are so many finishing stories I must -- and will -- add to the blog about Rachel's magnificent end to the school year with a performance of Beethoven's "The Tempest;" recognition as the most valuable player for basketball and volleyball and best middle school female athlete; and the receipt of a U.S. Presidential award for academics.

We've had going away's, been surveyed for a pack out, only to have the movers changed to get surveyed again.  I've written speeches and spoken as school Board chair at a retirement event and at graduation. 

But the big news at the moment is that just moments ago, I got an email from the tennis coach at Georgia Perimeter College offering Salif a one-year scholarship in Atlanta!  Georgia Perimeter is a junior college, so Salif can play there, live with his aunt and ease into the American educational system.  We had the verbal offer, but I've emphasized to Salif that I had to see it in writing,.

And now I have it. 

Three years of hard work -- a tennis camp tour, multiple ACT exams, GPA disappointments because of unfair NCAA decisions, YouTube videos, multiple emails and phone calls to coaches, letters of recommendations.  The American lesson:  hard work pays off.  I still have to help him with various immigration forms (even with a scholarship, you can't come to America on a visa without a substantial bank account, which you can't prove simply with copies of your statement, but you've got to get letters from you banker (does anyone have a "banker" anymore?) attesting to your wealth).  So more hard work to do, but we know that it will pay off.

What a true happy ending!

Comments

[Susan]

Amy — That is such fabulous news. I've been thinking a good thought about Salif off and on and I'm so glad all your — and his — hard work have paid off. Very exciting. And I'm eager to hear more about your move as well.

all best -- Susan

[Simistri]

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