Monday, October 4, 2010

Deserving

I hate asking for money, no matter what the circumstances. But sometimes, like when people advertise that they’d like to give away money to people if they’re able to demonstrate that they need it and deserve it in order to pursue their dreams, it would be borderline stupid to not try and get your slice of the pie. And that’s basically what grants are. From time to time athlete’s such as myself will get notice that such and such foundation would like to give people some money to help them achieve their goals. Basically all you have to do to receive these funds is meet whatever guidelines they’ve set forth and then convince them that you are more worthy than all the other people who meet those same guidelines.

But while convincing people of things is my strong suit and I tend to be a pretty good written communicator, I am not a fan of having to do so in a formal matter. As crazy as it may sound, I do not like trying to tell people why I’m so fabulous. Crrrraaazzy, I know. Maybe it’s because I often think that I’m not quite as fabulous as I’d like to be but when I’m writing it down, I have to downplay all that and act as if the opposite is true.

Anyway, today I submitted an application for a grant that I heard about almost 3 months ago. The deadline for submission was today and I finished writing my 3 page “personal essay” late last night. I didn’t even ask people to write my letters of recommendation until two days ago. That’s how much I felt unmotivated to get it done. But to not do it would have been just plain stupid.

I don’t know when we find out who receives these grants and I don’t even know how much it will be, but I know that I could sure use the help so I’m praying for people to think I’m fabulous. In the meantime, I figured I should start writing more frequently on my blog. I’ve been slacking lately and whether or not anybody notices or cares is probably debatable. If nothing else, it is good practice at convincing people I’m fabulous. Are you convinced yet?!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

you had me at hello

Dust said...

Agreed, you have been slacking on your blogs. Which is odd considering how much free time you have. Your looking for free money huh? Well luckily for you I have a few "free" suggestions. A lot of celeberties have foundations set up for this very topic. I know Michael & Juanita Jordan had a business set up for this thing. Looking into philanthropist might be able to help you. Master P, Oprah, & several other people as well as companies might be able to help.

If you want to think outside the box, there are also a few more options for you. After watching The Town & Takers I'm pretty sure I can pull of a heist. You want in? Lol

B said...

I think you're fabulous.

Tyrone Gomez Tubbs said...

I'll give you $100 for an hour on Friday night.

Dust's Dad said...

Well done son. Free is good. For a moment there I thought you were going to cash in Aunt Ethal's cd that she gave you for your bar mitzvah. Needy girls are a dime a dozen, keep it locked down.

Anonymous said...

I don't know what you look like close up, but you have a nice face from looking at your thumbnail image. And, I assume you have a nice body being that you are a professional athlete. If you have decent skin and if you are not overly muscular, consider doing some fitness modeling. It's not free money, but it is an easy way to capitalize on what you have and not have it interfere with your training. I am a professional photographer and know there is money to be made in posing for pictures, just check out the number fitness magazines the next time you are in the supermarket. I would be willing to help you put together comp cards (portfolio) and help you contact agencies if you are interested.

Btw, grants tend to have an end date and the types you are probably looking at are not renewed; if you look good, that can last a lot longer. Based on your writing skills, you probably have career work options, but I’m assuming a regular 9-5 would be difficult right now if you want to continue pursuing your athletic dream.

Anonymous said...

If you do not have a good sponsorship deal or another means to make a living and you are over 30 it is time to move on instead of searching for handouts. Leave those for those athletes just starting out in the sport as a pro.

get a real J.O.B.

MemoirsofTre said...

Haha yeah im convinced. Love reading your writing, i must comment more though. Good Luck with the Grant :)

Brianna said...

I just wanted to comment how much I love anonymous posters. Especially the unkind ones.

Maximus Decimous Ruler of the Army of the North said...

@ Anonymous

LMAO! Good one. ha ha

Are you aware she was top 10 in the world last year and at the world championships? Not to mention winning several big meets this year.

Sure, she can be a little cranky from time to time (ut um, bitchy), but so what. Whatever gets that cute a*s up and out over the sand pit.

I'm curious about your reasoning though. As a potential sponsor, why would I put my money on someone that nobody knows and will take time to develop and maybe never develop. Or, I can put my money on a a jumper who is top 10 world and photographed frequently. Seems like an easy choice. I suspect the basis of your comment comes from jealousy issues.

Unknown said...

You have so many anonymous commenters. I can't get my parents to read my blog. I have to beg and beg : ( I am a loser. You, however, have totally convinced me that you are MORE THAN fabulous! I hope you get it!

brit brat said...

hey adifferentme21 is cute.
this has nothing to do with your post but...just wanted to point that out.