Julian LeBel
JuJu, Who is your hero?
My hero is my Grandpa. My boba is the hardest working, smartest person I know. He came to America from Iraq without much. He didn’t sit around and complain. He worked hard and built a life. He started a printing business and realized the American Dream for his family. He worked hard 7 days a week and now he is very successful and has money to provide for his family. If he can do all that, I can work harder on that one play or dive on that one loose ball. I would do anything for my grandpa who is my real life hero.
How has being a basketball player changed your life?
It makes me happy. It gets be through all the hard times. When I am having a bad day I can play ball and feel better. It is everything to me.
What advice can you share with kids about being a great basketball player and being a great human being?
Battle through hard times. No matter what happens keep your head up and never let anything tear you down. Just keep dragging your knuckles and KEEP WORKING!! Also, be nice to everyone you meet. You never know what they are battling in private.
What do you do to ensure your mental health is as strong as your physical health?
I talk to my family no matter what happens. Also, I talk to my really good friends and keep them close to me throughout my entire life. Talking to people that you know genuinely care for you can get you through anything.
Who in your life brings you love and encouragement?
I want to shout out my whole family because they are always there for me. I also want to shout out Coach Jalen Lake for always pushing me and checking up on me. Last, I want to shout out Coach Larry Stokes because he’s been there for me since day one and he is always looking out for me and will always love me no matter what.
How old are you and what is the biggest lesson you have learned in your life?
I am 14. Family is everything. They have been there for me through all of the good, bad and ugly. Some people don’t have that and I have realized that I am so lucky to have mine. For those who don’t, I hope they have friends or other people in their lives, like teachers, coaches or neighbors who they can count on.
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced?
When I broke both of my feet six months apart. I was so mad and sad when I went through that. My game suffered, but once I got better I had to put in the work to get back to the athlete I was before. I wasnt the best but I worked hard to get to where I am at today.
What do you wish adults would understand about young people today?
I wish adults would understand that we are children and we cannot do everything to perfection. No one can. So don’t criticize a child for not doing something good enough when they are trying as hard as they can.
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