For senior basketball player Emmanuel Lewis, his Oberlin life has been about growth both on and off the court.
 
As captain of the Yeomen, he is expected to be the prime leader for his teammates. A self-admitted soft-spoken person, he was not expected to hone his leadership skills in a country nearly 2,200 miles away and where he didn't know anyone.
 
In the summer of 2013, Lewis' basketball journey took him to Costa Rica as part of the Basketball Beyond Borders program.  During this six-week adventure he was living with a host family, studying Spanish and doing what he loves best – playing basketball.
 
"It was amazing being in a different country, experiencing so many different cultures and learning about the values of the country and how they differ from those in the States," Lewis said.
 
For a month Lewis and other players from colleges across the globe – including one from conference member Ohio Wesleyan – trained for five hours a day with professional coaches. The final two weeks of his trip, he and the others traveled the country to play against professional teams in the area. They went 3-3 in six games.
 
"Coming together as a team during that brief time frame was challenging at first, but by the end we were all on the same page. I really learned a lot about myself and gained some valuable skills that have made me a better leader and player this season."
 
While he enjoyed playing and training for the games, he really appreciated having the opportunity to teach and instruct children in various sports during after-school clinics that were part of the program.
 
"It was very rewarding working with the underprivileged youth of the country. Seeing how happy they were when we were together was truly special."
 
In just six weeks, Lewis was able to establish many close bonds with the people he met. He and his teammates are still in frequent contact, but some of his most endearing connections were with local residents.
 
"The people were so friendly; when they knew you weren't from there, they would just strike up a conversation and be so engaged. The would really go out of their way to make you feel welcome."
 
The relationships he formed during the trip are still very significant in his life today, especially the connection he formed with his host family.
 
"Even though I was living with them for just over a month, when it came time to leave, it was very emotional and I almost shed a tear."
 
With his senior year quickly coming to an end, Lewis' post-graduate plans involve a hoped-for reunion with his host family.
 
"I would love to continue play professionally in Costa Rica for a few years or possibly in Ireland as I have a few connections there as well."
 
No matter where he ends up, Lewis knows his experiences both here and afar have prepared him to succeed in his post-graduate life.

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