Desmond Field, a student-athlete from Point Loma, is entering the collegiate arena more prepared than average because of his experience with the ATLAPA Foundation (TAF). Field, a competitive and traditional martial artist, will be attending Norwich University in Vermont this fall, where he will continue the way of the warrior-scholar. To cement his dreams, Field has gone the extra mile by enrolling in a personalized mentorship program through TAF, an organization dedicated to young student-athletes pursuing their athletic and academic dreams at the collegiate level. Focusing not only on academics, tutoring and SAT scores, TAF strives to develop life skills and character traits that will help the student-athlete flourish both on and off the field. “Things like being able to shop for groceries or do their own laundry are essential skills often overlooked by parents when sending their kids off to college,” said Ilka De Leon, founder of TAF. “A lot of emphasis is often placed on grades and test scores, but the ability to perform the basic routines of daily life can also determine success or failure of a new freshman.” Field is one of TAF’s first “graduates,” having completed the program successfully from start to finish. Taking full advantage of the mentorship, SAT/ACT preparation, life skills education and tutoring provided by the foundation’s enrichment instructors, he said he feels much more confident entering the next leg of his academic journey. “My only regret is that TAF wasn’t around when I was in eighth grade or a freshman,” Field said. “The program was that good. The younger students entering now are going to get 2,400 points on their SAT exams and be able to go wherever they want.” Field said he was impressed with how the enrichment instructors adapted to any subject matter. He also claims to have gained valuable life skills rarely touched upon by American high schools. “We were prepped on what dorm life would be like and how to cope with being on our own,” said Field. “Topics such as time management, stress and even simple things like making sure we shop for groceries and do our laundry when we get to college.” Another key element aiding in Field’s self-development was TAF’s focus on social and emotional management and conflict-resolution education — a non-traditional element of education that helps student athletes act responsibly when dealing with stressful or confrontational situations. The object is to equip them with the tools necessary to rationally deal with negative emotional triggers — things that could possibly resort to behavior that can hinder or prevent them from achieving their long-term goals. “The ability to apply conflict resolution and social/emotional management to any situation teaches TAF students to think before they act, which could be the difference between staying in school or getting kicked out, or avoiding violent reactions which could also impact their ability to stay in school,” said De Leon. “The focus is that one second of thought could eliminate impulse and assure a better outcome for that student.” For more information about The ATLAPA Foundation, call (619) 471-7582 or visit www.atlapa.org.