Futbol is art. Futbol is culture. Futbol unites the world.

"A vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is nonsense. A vision with action can change the world"

This is the quote that is written on my bathroom mirror (The last line) when I wake up everyday. Credit to Ryan Lamb for noting it.

First off, what an amazing story! Totally better than that ‘Three cups of Fraud’ book we had to read Freshman year! #bitter…

                This story not only uplifting is extremely applicable to social change, student life, and being a student at The Ohio State University. With such a diverse campus, this is a great book to develop awareness of other’s backgrounds and to bridge the gap between understanding each other and remove prejudices.

                One of my favorite stories and a great example of social change is the story of the man with the failing store. He was able to turn a situation that was rapidly falling apart, and turned it into a great positive. He was willing to change for the needs of his community by offering ethnic food for the diverse population of Clarkston. He displayed citizenship by offering an easy way for residents to obtain their food supplies and to keep his business afloat. He collaborated with the community to supply the residents with their requests.

Wavin' Flag. Although the book is about uniting many nations together in America, this song represents the unity that comes from representing and taking pride in your country while uniting as a world over a global event of soccer!

Wilson! Castaway reference! Outcasts that went their separate ways

                Two of the values are Commitment and Change…Luma has shown strong commitment to everything that she has ever done. Her journey through life has been a tumultuous and trying experience that is inspirational in itself. She has committed to the soccer team, the families, and the community at large. She was able to create jobs for immigrant women. She never takes no for an answer and that is a true test of perseverance. She was able to and is still enacting change the entire community. The community now has a different outlook on the refugee population, although some may be stuck in their old ways, many have come around to support her cause.

                I believe this book, and the Warren St. John has done a great job of working toward Social Change. Due to his commitment and dedication, we are able to blog about the Social Change Model in relation to a ‘middle school’ soccer team. We are able to realize how applicable something as simple as youth soccer can change the world. He has made me more aware of myself and how I may react to someone who may not be able to speak English fluently. Although I see myself as someone who is culturally tolerant of others, there is always room for growth, and it never hurts to be reminded of something that although simple, can change the way people, and the community feel about others. And to allow anyone and everyone to feel more comfortable in this free world.We need to learn to Coexist!

                As a soccer player, reading about Luma’s coaching style, although rigorous, is inspiring. I kind of wish my coach (Dad) was tougher on us growing up! Her relentless leadership style was brash but bold and beneficial. These kids did not need to be coddled, as she said, most of these kids have had their childhood stolen from them. She set ground rules, she had expectations and if they were not met, then you knew where the ‘door’ was. For the most part, she didn’t really adapt too much of her values and expectations for anyone individually. She did sometimes get caught in the moment with how she felt about the family, or how good of a soccer player a kid might be, but ultimately she knew when to cut the crap and get down to business.

                As I said before, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I really am in the mood to start a soccer team! But really, this book was great and really made me reflect on many things.