July Update: Purpose, Progress, and Passion
As July wrapped up, I took a moment to reflect on everything that unfolded over the past month. It’s been one filled with impact, growth, and purpose. From launching meaningful initiatives to continuing my passion for swimming, July was about using my voice and platform to create change in and out of the pool.
🎶 MU5IC4GOOD Accomplishments
This month was fairly successful and marked a major milestone as I began a major advertising adn fundraising push for MU5IC4GOOD, a nonprofit effort started by two family friends. The mission was simple: using the organization to advocate and raise awareness for the benefits of music therapy and the rising rates of autism in the United States. We wanted to get the word out in the month of July, because the concert was scheduled to occur the first weekend of August.
I contributed significantly to this effort, helping raise $300+ through two walks around local neighborhoods and two walks around Downtown Naperville. Plus, my orthodontist, Girgis & Ito Orthodontics was kind enough to make a generous contribution to our work. It was really nice to be able to put the email-writing skills I learned in Honors English 2: Journalism to use!
The most major milestone in this project, however, has to be our feature on WGN News’ Daytime Chicago program. I handled the email list to major Chicago television stations including ABC7 Chicago, NBC5 Chicago, CBS Chicago, and WGN. Ultimately, we pitched our idea to NBC5 but they preferred if we had more of an established base, landing us with a Daytime Chicago Interview. Thank you so much to Alyssa Franklin, Booking Producer for Daytime Chicago, for permitting us on the show and thank you to Tonya Francisco and Sarah Jindra for interviewing us.
To view the interview, click here.
🏊 Naperville Aquatic Future
July was the refresh of Naperville Aquatic Future. Upon being invited to the Naperville Park District’s Citizens Task Force and seeing the very unfortunate renderings provided for an 8-lane, 25-yard pool in Naperville, I collected a few friends of mine to advocate for a new aquatic center in Naperville—one that includes a 50-meter pool.
Thus far, we’ve received significant support from local swim teams including FOX Swim Team, the Maverick Swim Club, the West Suburban Water Polo Club, the Naperville Swim Conference, and the NCHS Boys Swim & Dive team. These organizations have provided monetary support or have provided tools of outreach that I have created for my nonprofit.
We’ve built momentum and engagement around the idea that Naperville deserves a top-tier aquatic facility that meets the needs of swimmers, families, and the broader community. This project is personal, and I’m excited about where it’s headed.
💥 Swim Success
On a more personal note, I’m continuing my success in the pool. This Long Course season didn’t start the way I had hoped, however I kept pushing myself in the water during practice and ultimately, I dropped below the 28.00 mark in the 50-meter freestyle and got a regionals cut in the 100-meter backstroke. Thank you so much to Coach Deryl, Coach Barb, and Coach Annie for their support throughout. Looking forward to what short course brings!
Looking Ahead
From nonprofit work to athletic dedication, this past month reminded me why I do what I do: to serve, inspire, and lead by example. I intend to focus more on my education in the following months, with high school swim coming up, but this really has been fun!
—Connor Y.
