Jackson Emerey

Last Thursday we got to meet Jackson Emery of the BYU cougars. Thanks to Grandpa Wall and his mentoring program. Kelton was in heaven. I remember when I was young and was so excited to meet some of the Huskies. It was like meeting a famous person. That is exactly how Kelton saw it. His eyes were huge, while he was trying to mask his smile. Jackson talked to us about how when he was younger he played AAU and was doing really well. His family moved to from Salt Lake County to Utah county and when he tried out for the teams he was turned down. He was bummed, but still kept practicing because he loved it so much. After the 2nd year trying out, he made the B team. Still not the best, but at least got to play. Come high school he got to be on Varsity, but sat the bench most of his sophomore year. When the season ended he told his coach he was going to play guard the next year and would be his number one. The coach then told him what he needed to work on. He practiced every day for 1 to 3 hours all summer long. That year he ended up playing and being named one of the players on the all state team. The coach then said if you just do this and do this, you can be Mr. Basketball next year. So, again, he went and practiced everyday. At the beginning of the season he had an injury, but that didn't stop him from practicing and working hard at getting better. He was Mr. Basketball for the state of Utah that year. His point was to keep practicing, work hard for your goals, he could have stopped when he was turned down, but he loved it and knew he could do it.
Next, he said he planted an orange tree when he was young. He gave it water, sun, and love. The tree wouldn't grow. He was really upset because he had put everything into that he knew the seed needed, yet the tree just wouldn't sprout. He learned that orange trees just don't grow in Utah. He likened this to everyone. Everyone has a seed in them, you need to find your seed and make it grow. He can't sing, therefore that seed will never grow into something great,he will sing when he needs to, but no matter how much he works at singing, he will never be great at it and that's ok. Find your seed and make it grow.
He was a great speaker. It was awesome seeing him talk to dad asking how long he needed to talk for, then went up and just let the words flow. He likened much to
the mentors and how they can help and support you like his coaches did. I was totally impressed. Plus he is pretty dang good to look at... haha (yeah, he's married, but whatever-so is Keith Urban)
Just when he was getting ready to leave, Dad pulled one of his silly jokes.
"everyone, before Mr Emery leaves, make sure you have all your things. Mike Adams, make sure you have your laptop. Do you know why?"
"why, because he is the king of steals! He led the MWC in steals this year, and is the all time BYU leader of steals."
Jackson, "but i only steal on the basketball court. hahaha"
Dad is saying this in the picture where he is standing by him with the t-shirt over Jackson's shoulder.
On the way home Kelton was wondering "what happens when he goes to the store since he is so famous. It probably takes him forever to do anything because of all the crowds of people and stuff". Probably. Probably son.



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