He seems to have come out of nowhere—a six-foot, three-inch Harvard graduate who has powered the New York Knicks to five straight wins, including the February 10 victory against Kobe Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers. Jeremy Lin’s recent success can teach all of us, children and adults, a great deal.
If you’re a parent, this is your opportunity to convey some powerful lessons using this appealing sports star as an example.
Cope with disappointment. After playing basketball for Palo Alto High School, Lin received no offers for college scholarships. He was offered places on teams at Harvard and Brown. While most high school students would be thrilled with acceptances from those two top schools, Lin had to be disappointed since Ivy League colleges do not give sports scholarships and don’t serve as a springboard to the NBA. Still, Lin chose Harvard, finishing his college basketball career as the first player in the history of the Ivy League to record at least 1,459 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals. Oh, he also graduated with a degree in economics and a 3.1 grade-point average.
If at first you don’t succeed… Yes, he was a star at Harvard, but Ivy League basketball players are rarely drafted by the NBA. (The last Harvard player to play in the NBA was Ed Smith in 1954). Lin went undrafted in the 2010 draft, but he took advantage of an offer to play with the NBA’s Summer League. He played well and ultimately signed a two-year deal with his hometown Golden State Warriors.
Deal with ups and downs. Several times during the 2011 season, Lin was sent down to the Warriors’ D-League affiliate, the Reno Bighorns. At first upset that he was being demoted, Lin soon realized he was getting more playing time and still had a lot to learn. He played hard and worked to get back.
Be prepared. Lin bounced around until the Knicks claimed him off waivers on December 27. He regarded himself as a backup player, yet stayed ready and kept working on his game. When both Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony were unable to play, Lin was sent in and the rest made headlines—”The Mightly Lin,” “Kobe Who?” “Lincredible,” “Lin-sanity.”
Take it all in stride. So far Lin is keeping it low key, enjoying some of the attention but not making any statements that would overstate what is happening. He appreciates what it’s taken for him to get this far. He’s quick to thank his family and others for helping him along the way.
These are tough times for young and old alike. Competition is great, whether trying to get into the right school or land a new job. Someone like Lin can teach us the value of never giving up on our dreams.
