HEIGHT, TALENTED AND DETERMINED TO SUCCEED

You have likely heard the expression "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again".

That's what happened to Oprah Winfrey, fired from her first TV reporting job after being told she wasn't fit to be on the screen. She tried again.

Famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld was booed by a crowd his first time - and he tried again.

J.K. Rowling was unemployed, divorced and raising a daughter on social security while writing the first Harry Potter novel. She tried again - and became the first female billionaire author.

And there have been many, many more stories - people down the street, friends, and relatives - of people who tried again in their own way.

You know them.

The same holds true for Teneisha Haye, a first year student at George Brown College studying Human Resources and Business. When she's not in the classroom, the 21-year old is - trying again.

The Ottawa-born student, graduate of a French-speaking school, is doing everything she can to get back on the basketball court.

Haye also worked for a company and let's just say she wasn't pleased with their standards for hiring staff. She believes people should be hired for the right reasons: qualified, competent and able to get the job done.

At George Brown, she's in her first year of Human Resources and Business.

Back to the basketball court, Haye is 6-foot-2 and was a starter on her high school team that won a medal. She also tore three ligaments in her ankle - but that was three years ago and didn't know things were bad until swelling sent a signal to get some medical advice.

Recovery has been slow. Haye loves the game of basketball, but even tinkered with not trying out for the George Brown team. And then there's the bit about her height.

"I'm a tall girl, some girls are conscious about it," she said. "It took some time, but I have grown to accept it - and it helps for basketball."

Haye wants to get back on the hardwood and help her teammates, the defending Ontario Colleges Athletic Association bronze medallists.

"As a result of the injury, I didn't do much to stay in physical shape and, at first, didn't want to embarrass myself in a practice. I have been away from the game for three years and a bit rusty."
But her appetite to do well in academics is the same for basketball.

"We can use her on the boards, rebounding," said Sharon Butler, head coach of the George Brown women's team. "She knows the game. When she's healthy, we have a spot for her."

The road to recovery has been slow, but Haye has been getting treatments and hopes to be in uniform in January.

Source: George Brown College