More Than Basketball

When I was little, I loved giraffes.

​

Most people saw an animal with a long neck. I saw something different. I loved that giraffes could see farther than almost any other animal because of the way God created them.

 

But as I got older, things changed.

​

​

By eighth grade, I was already over six feet tall and towered over most kids my age. What once felt special started to feel awkward. Some kids began calling me "Giraffe," and when everyone laughed, I was devastated.

​

 

For a while, the very thing I loved became a reminder of the pain I felt.

​

Years later, I realized something important:

​

​

 

In fact, the very thing that made me feel different was part of my purpose.

​

​

​

This story is my way of taking something that once hurt and turning it into something that helps. Through Gigi, I hope children learn that the things that make them different are often the very things God wants to use.

​

       | What was once a nickname became a mission.

​

And what was meant to tear me down became the inspiration for a story that encourages young people to stand tall, dream big, and become who God created them to be.