Stephan L. Wolley Memorial Scholarship

I am Adem Byrdsell, the founder of Byrd Basketball Foundation, a non-profit organization, with a mission to promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and achievement in young boys. I am also a college freshman who loves basketball. I conceived this Foundation to help underprivileged boys, who like myself, love the game, but don’t have access to the trainers and equipment to fully develop their skills. From personal experience living in Liberia, West Africa, for 10 years, I’ve met and played with many talented boys who simply don’t have the opportunities to truly excel in this sport. The Foundation planned to host its first community event, an intensive boys’ basketball camp in Liberia. The camp was initially planned for December 2021. On November 21, 2021, I was in a bad car accident, and hospitalized for 17 days, the first 6 in ICU. I was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a C5 spinal fracture, severely bruised lungs, and two rib fractures. For the first 5 days, a ventilator was my lifeline as my body fought to heal itself with the help of an amazing team of medical practitioners, including my doctors, nurses, and therapists. Surviving my accident continues to make me much more grateful for the life I am living. I was given a second chance, a chance that many people who have been in accidents as severe as mine were not fortunate to receive. Today I am on my way to a full recovery, only by the Grace of God. I am running track and playing basketball at full intensity. This experience has made me more determined to not only elevate my game, but also share my story and tell underprivileged boys, who love the game, that they can overcome any obstacle with hope, faith, and a healthy body, some of the traits that helped me to heal as miraculously as I did. With my second chance, I also learned the importance of giving back. I was determined to not only host the first camp but build it into a program combining healthy living and sports. The camp was held from June 27-July 2nd, in Monrovia, Liberia. Initially planned for twelve campers, we expanded to 24 campers daily, and with a fundraising campaign that raised more than 100% of the cost, we accommodated everyone. There was no cost to campers! A second camp is planned for December 2023. I aim to be the change I want to see in young athletes who may not have the chance to harness their athletic abilities because of hardships and setbacks. I want to be able to change someone's life, even if in a minute way. I believe my accident propelled a work ethic that set forth my burning desire to be the reason someone overcomes their own battles, much like I did. It’s critical to know that there is always opportunity in misfortune. My goal is to work in the US and Liberia as a Sports Medicine Doctor, advancing the profession and mentoring young people. I am unable to afford to attend the College of Charleston, without financial aid. My parents do not have the funds to pay the estimated $40,000 I need exclusive of the merit and need-based scholarships I’ve currently been awarded. They also do not want me to amass a large financial burden as a result of student loans. I know I have the drive and determination to thrive, and I am putting in hours of work applying for scholarships so that money won’t be a hindering factor to my success. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply for your scholarship.