YEAR END APPEAL
Dear Friend,
My name is Lila Boukarim, and I am the Program and Education Coordinator at 15-LOVE. I graduated from Binghamton University this past spring, and I am currently pursuing my master’s degree and certificate of advanced study in school psychology at the University at Albany. I joined 15-LOVE as a participant in 2017 when I was 14 years old and two years later, I became a tennis instructor. After 7 years as an instructor, I became 15-LOVE’s Program and Education Coordinator. 15-LOVE has been a consistent source of support for me, and a family that I am always overjoyed to return to each summer. I am proud to now be immersed in this community year-round, and I am thoroughly enjoying all that I am doing.
I grew up around tennis, but did not play until I started with 15-LOVE. My mom was a single parent, and she would bring me with her to her tennis matches at Prospect Park in Troy. I spent many years watching her, while doing my crafts at the picnic table outside the court. I always thought that it would be fun for me to play, but tennis lessons were difficult to afford. Before starting to play tennis, I felt, and my friends joked, that I was unathletic, as I never participated in any team sports. The summer before I started high school, someone suggested to my mom that I try 15-LOVE, and I am so glad that I did. I was nervous going to my first tennis lesson, worried that everyone would judge me for being unskilled. I remember seeing everyone on the courts finishing the class before mine, talking and laughing. I thought to myself, how do they all know each other already? Isn’t this the first week? Although my skill level was behind most, it wasn’t a problem. When it was my turn to hit, the coaches would give me multiple tries and share encouraging words; commenting on all of the small things that I did correctly, even when the rest was far from perfect. That summer, 15-LOVE made me feel like a true tennis player–athletic, confident, and ready to take on tryouts for my high school team. I made the team my freshman year as an exhibition player, and then earned a spot in the varsity lineup as a sophomore.
I was very excited to become a 15-LOVE instructor, and I felt honored to teach on the same courts where I watched my mother play. Although I was only a participant for 2 years, I have been receiving the benefits of 15-LOVE for all 9 years that I’ve been with the program. At staff meetings, Amber and Domingo always showed us that they truly cared about us. At every meeting, I learned something valuable–whether it was about the journaling activity for that week’s off-court lesson or a message about diversity that opened my eyes to circumstances that were not my own. Teaching for 15-LOVE has made me more aware and compassionate, and it has inspired my future career. 15-LOVE taught me how to teach children with disabilities, children who do not speak English, and children of various ages and backgrounds. These experiences made me want to become a school psychologist to ensure that every student can learn in a way that is optimal, accessible, and engaging for them. Thanks to 15-LOVE, I will one day enter my career equipped with the knowledge and skills I’ve gained here, ready to help my students effectively, and filled with passion and purpose.
I owe so much gratitude to 15-LOVE for providing me with this supportive place to grow. Reflecting on my journey with 15-LOVE fills me with such emotion, knowing how deeply this organization has touched my life, and how meaningful it feels to now contribute to its mission. 15-LOVE has shown me that tennis and life are about much more than the skills seen on the surface. Tennis is not just about athleticism or perfect technique; it is about resilience, focus, social connection, and determination. Similarly, 15-LOVE is not just about tennis; it is about kindness, support, education, and community. Your support allows 15-LOVE to carry forward the mission that has shaped so many lives, including mine. Thank you for your kindness and consideration.
With gratitude,
