Meet Manuela Cornejo. She speaks 3 languages fluently and is lucky enough to call 3 different continents home. She has lived in Ecuador and Germany. Currently, she is here working on her MBA in Marketing and playing her senior year for a nationally ranked D2 Tennis team. Manuela spent her summer as a Future Stars Camps tennis counselor. See what she has to share about her first year at Future Stars Tennis camp.
What brought you to Future Stars Camps and how long have you been with Future Stars?
Manuela: A very good friend of mine who also used to play for my team recommended Future Stars Camps to me. She worked there a few summers ago and told me about her amazing experience. This past summer (2018) was my first time working at Future Stars and I really enjoyed my time.
Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?
Manuela: For me, the most rewarding part of my job was to see that I was actually able to help the kids improve and become more confident about themselves and their skills. It was great to see how they overcame their limiting beliefs and outgrew their skills.
What is your favorite memory from camp?
Manuela: My favorite part of the week was the talent show on Wednesdays. It was a great opportunity to get to know the kids even better. I loved seeing their “hidden” skills. I was really fascinated by a camper's performance. I never expected to see her execute a handstand followed by a back salto and landing into a split. That was incredible! I remember all the counselors looking at each other with open mouths. No one could believe it.
What was your most memorable 2018 summer moment?
Manuela: It’s tough to pick one specific moment. There are so many memories that I will never forget. We had a lot of fun with the kids at work. And, I will forever remember my team and the time we got to spend with each other, not just on but also off the court. We had a great time on our day trips to NYC.
What will you miss most about camp this summer?
Manuela: I loved my team. We worked so well together on and off-court. We had each other’s back in every situation and were able to 100% rely on each other. It felt like having a little family away from home. I really miss that feeling and my little family.
Share a couple of words that best describe your Future Stars Camps 2018 experience.
Manuela: Team. Growth.
What do you miss most about being a kid?
Manuela: I miss not having any worries or fears and just living every minute in the present moment. My favorite memories are the summers with my dad and my cousins. My absolute highlights were going to the beach and to my uncle's finca (estate). We could just play and do whatever we wanted.
If you could be the better at something, what would you choose?
Manuela: I would love to play the guitar better and sing very well. I love listening to people that just need a guitar and their voice to inspire others.
What kind of movies do you enjoy?
Manuela: Definitively Marvel movies. I love all of them!
What exercise do you enjoy the most?
Manuela: Kick Boxing, tennis, and weight lifting.
What is your favorite book?
Manuela: My absolute top 2 favorite books are: "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan Holiday and "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl. Both books have had a huge impact on my life, in terms of overcoming challenging times and immense self-growth.
What is your favorite quote?
Everyday impact, inspire, and empower someone. -- Inky Johnson
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Image Credit: Manuela Cornejo