Shodai Tanaka

• Field Of Dreams is a service club, which I established with 2 of my friend. ( I met one of them at American Club summer camp when we were 5 years old) This club
  aims to develop, nurture and support talented athletes in Tanauan, Philippines, who cannot afford the equipment and training. Our club is striving to help build a better life, future, and sense of community for at-risk kids by giving them a place to better their abilities. We will aim to build a new baseball field for the children of Tanuan, aiming to enrich their lives and those of their families through sports.
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I serve as president (2023-2024) of this school service club which supports the local deaf community and teaches sign language to members. I am grateful for the opportunity to help this underserved community.

Throughout my adolescence, I have been traveling to various countries for baseball tournaments. In 3rd grade we visited the Philippines where I encountered poverty for the first time, playing against kids from small rural communities. That experience of connecting with others through a shared love of baseball became the seed for “Field of Dreams,” a service club I started with two teammates to help the underprivileged in the Philippines. For ten years, we have been collecting and delivering pre-loved equipment and clothing to kids who wish to continue playing baseball. We are fortunate to be partners with our coach, Eagles baseball community (Singapore), and Alabang baseball club (Philippine)to make a powerful impact on people’s lives through what we love.

As someone who participated in many seasons as a little league player, I grew up with the dream of becoming an umpire myself. This came true in freshman year when I took and passed a certification course to be an official Little league baseball umpire. I also share my love of baseball by introducing the sport to younger kids through free coaching sessions for entire high school time. I provide basic skill training to beginner level players and help them select the equipment that best fit their needs. I enjoy helping them and sharing my own baseball experiences including the importance of teamwork, work ethic, well-being, and, most importantly, having fun.

During my junior year, I worked as a camp counselor for Camp Asia, one of the established holiday camps in Singapore. My role was an assistant basketball coach helping kids whose ages range from 5-16. I ran drills and games on the court, prepared lunch, and supervised bus rides to and from the venue for all campers. This experience taught me leadership skills, the importance of safety, and how to establish a friendly relationship with the kids while still maintaining authority.