One of our amazing 2018-19 GHC fellows and our incredible Curriculum Development Intern are moving on from TGP. Their contributions to our success and growth this year cannot be overstated, and we are so grateful to them for all of their hard work. We’re so excited to see what they accomplish in the future!
We interviewed Limbani and Lucia about their TGP experiences and next steps.
Limbani “Tobi” Kamanga
What was your favorite Grassroots experience?
My favorite TGP experience was attending and presenting at the National Sex Education Conference in Newark. I don’t know about Small Fry, but I went in a little nervous, especially after reading impressive bios of facilitators and presentation topics that were scheduled to run concurrent with ours. I was worried that the audience would find our work meaningless and our sessions not worth attending. Not to mention that they would feel bad because the conference catalogue said that Jane & Dr. Spencer would give TGP presentations. However, both presentations that we gave had significant attendance and the audience were super engaged throughout. They expressed admiration of work, which affirmed within me the importance of the work that TGP is doing.
Tell us about a funny story that happened during your time with TGP.
Fun moments usually happened at TGP FAM, especially during role playing. Looking at it from a Malawian perspective, I was always amazed to see parents and caregivers put in their best impromptu performances. Most Malawian parents would be hesitant to engage in such activities. What was more fun to me is that I usually got paired with energetic parents that chanelled their energy into their performances [** thinking of the parent at MMB FAM that yelled at an 11 year old me for sexting]
What will you miss most about TGP?
The people. At TGP, I met a lot of people that inspired me in different ways. I can think of Tommy Sommer, who demonstrated top dedication to TGP by continuing to implement TGP programs despite shouldering the burden of law school. I can think of Courtney Dalton, who took it upon herself to recruit male student-athletes at HU after one parent expressed the importance of male coaches in TGP programs. I would go on and on. The staff, the LTs, the old MTs, the new MTs, the interns…all inspired me one way or another. Of course, it goes without saying that the ping pong table also brought lots of fun moments.
Where do you plan to go next?
I have moved back to Malawi, where I plan to reconnect with my family, friends, and the country in general.
Lucia “Roser” Rose
What was your favorite Grassroots experience?
Being in programs! I was really lucky to be in a bunch of programs in the last year and get to spend time with different groups of students. I was no longer at all nervous or self-conscious about facilitation so I was able to completely enjoy getting to know students and other athletes.
Tell us about a funny story that happened during your time with TGP.
When Tobi introduced himself at a Fam by saying his sport is Ping-Pong or when J-Dub ran a make-up training for just me and one other athlete in KPL on a Friday night.
What will you miss most about TGP?
The community, TGP is a really special thing to be a part of and I’m going to really miss being in the office and in programs with all of the great staff and athletes. Also, playing ping-pong with staff.
Where do you plan to go next?
I am going to Law School at the University of San Diego!
