Pitching In and Building Connections Between Arizona High Schools & the DR

Daniel Shamah is a senior at Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also a VISIONS alum who volunteered on our Spanish immersion teen program to the Dominican Republic.

Daniel started the VISIONS Baseball Drive—a drive for baseball equipment going directly to our community in the Dominican Republic—and is thrilled to give an update on the progress.

Last year, Daniel was a junior and attending his first VISIONS summer service program. Even before he arrived, he had initiated the baseball drive, collected equipment, and had it shipped to our host community in Cotui.

Now a senior, Daniel reflects on how the initiative has grown and evolved. The VISIONS Baseball Drive has garnered support from his favorite baseball-related stores in Phoenix, his local gym, and friends and family. He has also added seven other high schools to the program! Each school has its own ambassador, someone like Daniel, who will lead the project for their school and community, and continue raising funds and donations. You can read more about each ambassador on this Instagram page.

As Daniel prepares to graduate, he’s been working closely with a junior who will be taking on the role of ambassador at his own high school, ensuring the VISIONS Baseball Drive continues to thrive and perhaps even expand to include other communities outside of Cotui as more donations are collected.

“My experience in the Dominican Republic with VISIONS had a considerable effect on me. It opened my eyes to the impact that a simple act of kindness can have. It was so great to see how grateful and thankful they were to receive the equipment. I’m a very privileged kid and come from a place where a lot of people have extra stuff that they can donate. I just fell in love with the Dominican culture and country.”

The VISIONS Foundation, VISIONS Service Adventures nonprofit sister organization, focuses on helping alum, like Daniel, who are doing their part to make a difference. One of the Baseball Drive’s upcoming initiatives through VISIONS Foundation is to build a baseball field in one of the barrios of the capital city of Santo Domingo.

If you would like to help Daniel’s cause, please donate here and note on the donation form that your contribution is for the Baseball Drive.

Q&A

WHAT DOES YOUR LIFE LOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW?

School, college applications, baseball and working out.

HAVE YOU VOLUNTEERED LATELY?

Yes, I volunteer every Saturday at Miracle League of Arizona. It’s a beautiful facility. Their mission is to make baseball available for every child and “inclusion within the community. To lead by example as encouraging and dedicated individuals on the baseball field and beyond.”

I’m a coach – I cheer on the kids, make sure they know the rules, make sure they have fun and keep them safe.

WHAT WAS MOST MEMORABLE ABOUT YOUR VISIONS EXPERIENCE?

I loved how grateful and kind the community was. All of us were in a new place, speaking a new language, and the Dominicans made us feel right at home, which was amazing. I also love reggae, and I now love Dominican culture.

WHAT DID THE VISIONS EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU?

It’s very basic, but to just be happy for what I have. The power of kindness. Just being in a new place. I had every reason to feel uncomfortable and afraid but something about the community’s kindness and gratitude, especially at the worksites, felt like we were part of their family.

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR GREATEST STRENGTHS?

My leadership, my vision, my ability to connect with others. I’m not really afraid to speak my mind (which can be positive or negative) and I love to learn. Which makes me a good role model. I’m a doer, I get things done.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO OTHER MEMBERS OF THE VISIONS COMMUNITY?

I’m really grateful for how smoothly and how well-run the VISIONS trip was. I’ve been on several trips but this was by far the most organized and best run. The staff were great. We respected them as leaders but also felt that we could go to them as friends. The other big element was the other kids on the program, they made it really amazing/special.

ANYTHING TO ADD?

I think the main thing is I’m pretty amazed at what I’ve accomplished. It’s hard to articulate… I would’ve never thought that I’d be doing this. I’ve accomplished something, as one person I’ve made a difference in my community and in the DR. The feeling of knowing I’ve made a difference is pretty surreal.

Your support can make a difference in the lives of young baseball enthusiasts in the Dominican Republic. Please consider donating new or lightly used baseball equipment to the VISIONS Baseball Project by emailing dshamah11@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can make a financial contribution to Daniel’s cause by donating here and specifying that you’d like it earmarked for the Baseball Drive.

VISIONS Foundation 203 North Church Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59715 EIN: 46-1160170

Phone: 406-551-4423 Fax: 406-272-0115