CLASSES
CLASSES Instructor Spotlight Justin Nguyen, Sports Instructor
It’s been said that it’s about the journey and not the destination. That’s exactly the way Sports Instructor Justin Nguyen approaches his role with MCC. Leading First Strike soccer classes for children ages 2-5, Nguyen has found a way to channel the passion he has for teaching—the same passion he’s had since he was 19. “My best friend was teaching at the time at Spring Hill ReCenter,” he said, “and I thought it would be awesome to teach with him because I loved sports. I quickly realized that working with kids was the best job in the world and super rewarding. I never looked back!” Nguyen oversees both the Minis Club and the Kids Club soccer classes at MCC, and he will be the first to tell you it’s a far cry from running a daycare. “I get to work with kids as young as two, and trying to figure them out is probably the most challenging and fun part of teaching here at MCC. Sometimes my lesson plans work, and sometimes I throw them out, which is great because I am always learning from my students.” Learning from and interacting with special people is what Nguyen appreciates most about working at the center. “What I love about MCC are the families that I come in contact with. The bonds shared between the young students in the class and interactions between the family members are great!” Currently in his second year with MCC, Nguyen graduated from nearby George Mason University and serves as the Creative Director of JST Athletics and Dance, LLC, a youth sports and dance instruction company. “I've taught hip-hop dance for as long as I've been teaching sports,” noted Nguyen. “It’s the other passion of mine.” The second of four children, Nguyen credits his parents for encouraging him to do what he does daily. “[My parents] have always provided me with the opportunity to chase my dreams growing up,” he said. One of his lifelong goals is to be able to provide free sports and dance classes and camps for children. REGISTER ONLINE | www.mcleancenter.org
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