NBA's Jeremy Lin Reflects on Strong Women in His Life and How They Inspired Him to Give Back

Leah Marieann Klett : Mar 15, 2017
Gospel Herald

"I've also gotten a glimpse into some of the things that women encounter when they try to succeed—whether it's some of the judgments or stereotypes that they face daily or what society tells them they should do or be. None of this makes any sense to me. When I look at my nieces, who are some of the most creative, intelligent and compassionate girls I know, I hope that they have all the opportunities that boys have growing up."

[Gospel Herald] In a Facebook post shared on International Women's Day, Lin, the 28-year-old guard who was signed to the Brooklyn Nets last year said he's "fortunate" to come from a "family of strong women." (Photo via Gospel Herald)

The Christian athlete shared that one of his grandmothers earned her medical degree in Asia and then immigrated to the United States and got her medical license again, in a second language. His other grandmother raised a family of five after her husband passed away, and Lin credited his mother, Shirley, for championing his passion for basketball from the time he was young.

"Without her I could never have achieved my dream of playing in the NBA," he said.

Lin also praised his female cousins for doing "important work" in the non-profit, public health, and education sectors and his sister-in-law for leading the management of his off-the-court business and activities.

"I know first-hand how capable women are, and I've relied on the women in my life to help me in so many ways," he said. "I've also gotten a glimpse into some of the things that women encounter when they try to succeed—whether it's some of the judgments or stereotypes that they face daily or what society tells them they should do or be. None of this makes any sense to me. When I look at my nieces, who are some of the most creative, intelligent and compassionate girls I know, I hope that they have all the opportunities that boys have growing up."

The Christian athlete pointed that around the world today, girls face many barriers in obtaining an education—in fact, 32 million girls of lower secondary school age are not enrolled in school.

"They are prevented from going to school because of issues like unaffordable school fees, forced child marriage, and lack of sanitary products," Lin said. "But we know that if investment is made into girls' education, their families and communities benefit. Giving girls equal access to education is one of the best ways to help break the cycle of poverty...

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