SAN DIEGO—As Design39Campus students return to school, San Diego FC goalkeeper and D39 alumnus Duran Ferree made his own return to make sure students kick the year off right.
On Thursday, Ferree visited Design39 to hand out school supplies as part of San Diego FC’s Back-to-School campaign. In addition to receiving school supplies, students had the opportunity to talk with Ferree about his journey through education, and ultimately, into pro soccer. Ferree was also able to visit with former teachers and staff, and field some questions in the classroom from students.
“Just make sure to stay focused and consistent with what you do. Make sure you’re getting your homework done,” Ferree tells students about school, before turning to the pursuit of goals. “Always have the belief it will happen, and if you work hard enough, it will happen.”
The visit highlights Design39Campus’ Minds in Motion (MiM) program. MiM provides students with the ability to explore and develop physically active skills by selecting a form of physical activity that they would like to learn or participate in that leads to challenge and a good cardio workout. Students develop agency, creative confidence, and the courage to persist through challenges using movement and brain integration. This leads to a strong learning foundation and success in not only school and athletics, but society.
“I liked Minds in Motion,” Ferree recalls. “It was fun how we did activities outside but also some activities inside. We were learning in that class as well. I enjoyed that class a lot.”
For Jonathan Walker, a 7th Grader at D39, MiM is an important opportunity to not only discover new sports, but to engage beyond physical activity.
“I think MiM is important because it teaches us how to be patient, be creative, think outside the box, and how to just be well to other people,” says Walker. “And it’s going to help you in the future to maybe find a job, and how to collaborate with others.”
Walker says the advice Ferree also shared is valuable.
“He’s a professional and he knows what to do,” says Walker. “Since we’re so young, we maybe don’t know everything, but he probably does and we like to take that advice.”
Students received San Diego FC gear and school supplies as part of the visit, and Ferree stayed after school to sign autographs for students.
Ferree’s return to D39 also highlights the importance of community involvement and support of students from a young age to build a passion and excitement for learning through their entire educational journey.