A STORY FROM A RED SOX SCHOLAR

Our friends at the Red Sox Foundation have shared a fantastic story of Lidia Zayas' journey through the Red Sox Scholars programme - a college scholarship programme managed by the Foundation.

The programme was launched in 2003 and with the selection of the new class of Boston Public School students each year, the Red Sox Scholars Program now provides mentoring, enrichment activities and college scholarships to over 250 Boston Public School students.

A whole team behind me

Lydia Zayas, 2004 Red Sox Scholar

College seems so far away when you’re in fifth grade, but in 2004 when I was given the opportunity to apply for the Red Sox Scholars, a college scholarship programme managed by the Red Sox Foundation, I jumped at the chance! Being the first in my family to attend college was a big deal and I knew I wanted to make everyone proud. At first I didn’t know what to expect, so you can imagine how excited I was when I found out I would be escorted down the base path by Pedro Martinez, my favourite baseball player. Being involved with the Red So Scholars programme is more than just a scholarship; with the whole team behind me, it has opened so many doors and has helped me become the person I am today.

When I became a scholar I was very shy, but I have grown into a leader. My dream growing up was to be the owner of the Boston Red Sox; some would laugh and others said I was the right person for the job. But no matter what, I always kept working hard toward my goal by making sure I was staying on the right track and the Red Sox Scholars programme helped me.

In 2014, I had the opportunity to intern for the Red Sox and knew that Fenway Park is where I wanted to be post-college. I am now working full time with the Red Sox Foundation, the official team charity, in a role that combines my passion for baseball and helping those in the community. I am now able to give back to the organisation and help open doors for others scholars to follow.

I learned to never give up and just follow my dreams; for no dream is too big or too small. If there is something you want to do in life, just make sure you are dedicated and taking the necessary steps; make sure you’re doing well in school and working hard towards your goal!