Josh Lake - Providence College
2025
It’s hard to fathom that another year has already gone by in my college journey. This past year presented many opportunities inside and outside the classroom that have fostered personal growth. Last summer, I co-founded and ran a youth basketball camp on Martha's Vineyard with my partner Sam Zack. What started off as an entrepreneurial idea turned into a functioning small business, a process that was very rewarding to be a part of. The camp required planning, marketing, budgeting, and daily personal relations between campers and parents. Running a youth camp and having a hand in our sports community provided me with a proud sense of value. Working in the summers, along with the help of this scholarship, has allowed me to pursue my desire to travel. I find an immense amount of value in these experiences, immersing myself into other cultures has allowed me to further get to know the world and other ways of life. Over Thanksgiving break I traveled to Barcelona where I was exposed to new languages, foods, and traditions. This trip encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and gain more knowledge about another culture. This Christmas I will be spending just over 2 weeks in Hawaii helping a family friend who just started a farm. This trip will provide me with the perfect reset going into the New Year and next semester. I am eager to engage in hands-on labor and learn more about sustainable practices. MVYouth continues to support me in substantial ways not only in the classroom but also in the aspect of cultivating real-world experiences.
My first semester at Providence College has been full of amazing and unpredictable experiences which have allowed me to learn, grow, and adapt. As a Marketing major, I have been introduced to new concepts and strategies that I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about. Adjusting to this new way of life has been uncomfortable and rewarding. I have loved being exposed to new people, personalities, egos, and emotions which have provided me with profound perceptions regarding resilience and adaptability. One of the most beneficial experiences I have gone through so far was provided to me by joining the Entrepreneurship Society. I’ve had the privilege of listening to different Providence alumni entrepreneurs speak about their paths and participated in the Annual Elevator Pitch competition held by the Business School. In this competition, I pitched my business proposal for a basketball camp, Island Hoop Group, that I’m planning to start next summer with one of my best friends, Sam Zack. This experience provided me with the perfect opportunity to indulge in something uncomfortable and atypical. I received a great amount of constructive advice and knowledge regarding public speaking and opening a business through my personal coach and the judges. I have participated in a lot of intramurals such as Flag Football, Spike Ball, 3v3 Basketball, and 5v5 Basketball. I'm also a part of the Club Basketball Team which has kept the high school sport element alive; we practice two times a week and play other schools during occasional weekends. The Providence location has served me well, I’ve been able to take advantage of being in close proximity to my Dad who lives off island, allowing me to spend quality time with my eight year old brother. This semester has been full of transformative and unique experiences that I wouldn’t have had without this scholarship. Not a day goes by where I don’t feel such gratitude and love for this organization and our community. Thank you for your continued trust and support!