Clinton Brown III

For the last thirteen years of my life, my family and I have been touched by this charity in so many ways. I am a young man from Long Island, who was born a little person and had been involved with the Empire State Games for the Physically Challenged since the age of 5. Through those games, a wonderful charity came into my life and this is the charity we know today as the PC Irish and American Youth Team. Through many events and gatherings, the PC Irish and American Youth Team was able to grow into the extremely generous organization it is today.

As I grew older and progressed through my high school years, college became a part of my near future. I have been blessed with a very sharp mind, and a personality that understands it's not the size of the book but rather the contents of the pages that makes a novel a bestseller. College was definitely for me, but another hurdle for my family to overcome was the great financial burden that comes with it. I was instilled by my parents with the mindset that I could do anything I wanted to and so I set out to do so. I believed that no matter how hard the physical limitations were for me, I was not going to let any of society's social roadblocks keep me from playing on a level playing field.

When it came time to attend college, Hofstra University looked like a great choice for me. It was close to home, had a great business school, and had a campus life to give me that "away from home" feeling. In my senior year of high school, the PC Irish and American Youth Team gave me what I thought was one of the greatest gifts any group or person could give another. It gave me a chance at a higher education.

Bill Broderick and Joe McNamara presented me with the opportunity for a fully funded college education and I couldn't have been more thankful. It was the kindness and generosity of all who donate throughout the year to this program that allowed me to receive such a great gift.

Since the night I received the scholarship, I have gone on to earn my bachelor's degree in Banking and Finance from Hofstra University. I finished with a 3.25 GPA, was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, a member of the Financial Management Association, and served as a freshman orientation leader two summers in a row. By the time I left Hofstra, I'd made friends with everyone on campus, knew every teacher, and came away with a lifetime of memories that will serve me forever. I am currently working in business planning for a cable and communications company. I have further aspirations to go on to a graduate program, but when, where, and in what capacity I have not figured out just yet.

As I write this letter, I cannot imagine myself competing in the business world without a degree. You have given me the tools, and now I am ready to build my life. Thank you so very much.

Sincerely yours,

Clinton Brown III