Podcast Summary: "Sit To Rise with Patrick Young"
The Determined Society with Shawn French
Release Date: September 16, 2024

Introduction

In the September 16, 2024 episode of The Determined Society with Shawn French, host Shawn French welcomes Patrick Young, a revered University of Florida (UF) basketball alumnus and SEC basketball analyst. The episode delves deep into Patrick's inspiring journey of resilience and determination following a life-altering accident that derailed his promising athletic career.

Patrick Young: A Stellar Athletic Background

[02:06] Shawn introduces Patrick as a Jacksonville native and a longtime Jaguars fan, highlighting his deep roots in the community. Patrick shares his early life, emphasizing his passion for sports inherited from his parents.

• Patrick Young: "I'm a Jacksonville native. Love Duval. I've been an emotionally wrecked Jaguars fan for many, many years."

Patrick's athletic prowess is evident from his time at the University of Florida, where he was recognized as a McDonald's All American and achieved significant academic and athletic accolades.

• Patrick Young: "Being the first and only three-time SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year in the conference. I set my mind to becoming and didn't want to be average."

Despite a commendable college career under Coach Billy Donovan from 2010-2014, Patrick faced setbacks in his professional aspirations, including going undrafted. Nevertheless, he embraced opportunities overseas, playing in countries like Turkey, Greece, Italy, and Israel, which provided him with invaluable cultural experiences.

The Life-Changing Accident

[05:12] Patrick recounts the tragic car accident in 2022 that resulted in the loss of his ability to walk. This incident marked a pivotal turning point in his life, forcing him to confront his identity beyond being an athlete.

• Patrick Young: "All right, who do you really believe you are as a man? Are you going to remain a victim of this thing that happened, or are you going to turn it into something that can be a victorious thing?"

Despite the immense physical and emotional challenges, Patrick chose resilience over victimhood, committing himself to the arduous journey of rehabilitation with unwavering determination.

The Journey of Recovery and Resilience

Patrick's recovery journey is a testament to his indomitable spirit. From being life-flighted to Craig Hospital in Denver, he faced the prospect of long-term hospitalization. However, his mindset shifted dramatically during his stay.

• Patrick Young: "Life is now. So what if it's not easy? And it's crazy because at Craig Hospital they put you on a schedule... I just remember joking with Coach Donovan... but embracing that."

Patrick emphasizes the importance of perseverance, stating that even when progress seemed stagnant, maintaining consistency was crucial.

• Patrick Young: "When you feel like progress isn't happening, you still just keep going. Stay focused on your why."

He draws inspiration from figures like Kobe Bryant, who epitomized the philosophy of not negotiating with oneself, reinforcing the idea that unwavering commitment is essential for overcoming adversity.

Impact on Others and Motivational Speaking

Patrick's transformation inspired many, including listeners who reached out to him with stories of how his resilience gave them hope during their darkest moments.

[14:13] He narrates an encounter where a gentleman expressed that Patrick saved his life, sharing his own struggle with suicidal thoughts a year prior.

• Patrick Young: "Last year, I wasn't doing very well. I had a note method and a plan for how I was going to take my life."

This profound interaction underscores the ripple effect of Patrick's journey, highlighting the profound impact one individual's resilience can have on others.

Role of Faith and Community Support

Faith plays a central role in Patrick's recovery, providing him with strength and purpose. He shares touching anecdotes that illustrate the unwavering support from friends and family.

[15:06] Patrick describes how his friends went out of their way to bring joy during his hospital stay, reinforcing his belief in a higher purpose.

• Patrick Young: "Those are people that are in my life forever. I might not ever know the in story, but how can I doubt God with what I've seen, the goodness of this whole circumstance so far?"

Additionally, the episode features George Garcia from First Beaches Insurance, who shares his commitment to the Jacksonville Beach community, further emphasizing the theme of community support and solidarity.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode culminates with Patrick reflecting on his continuous journey of healing and personal growth. His story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that with determination, faith, and support, one can rise above even the most daunting challenges.

• Patrick Young: "Who knows what the repercussions of that are going to be. There's nothing better... than hearing somebody breaking an addiction or just changing a complete generation or cycle of their family or their life."

Shawn French closes the episode by acknowledging Patrick's unwavering spirit and the invaluable lessons his journey imparts to listeners striving for personal development and resilience.

Notable Quotes Highlighted

• Patrick Young [05:12]: "Who do you really believe you are as a man? Are you going to remain a victim of this thing that happened, or are you going to turn it into something that can be a victorious thing?"

• Patrick Young [10:08]: "Life is now. So we don't know what's going to happen tomorrow."

• Patrick Young [12:41]: "Never giving up, you know, never allowing yourself to say, I quit."

• Patrick Young [17:08]: "I don't need a yes or no. Just give me a yes or no now and I'll just operate in that."

• Patrick Young [21:06]: "It's so important... being small and consistent and focusing on that big goal."

Key Takeaways

• Resilience in Adversity: Patrick's story exemplifies the power of a determined mindset in overcoming life-threatening challenges.

• Impact Through Sharing: By sharing his experiences, Patrick not only heals himself but also becomes a lifeline for others facing similar struggles.

• Faith and Community: Strong faith and a supportive community are pivotal in navigating and surmounting personal crises.

• Consistency Over Perfection: Emphasizing the significance of steady progress, Patrick advocates for persistence even when immediate results aren't visible.

This episode of The Determined Society serves as a powerful narrative of human endurance, the transformative power of personal struggles, and the profound impact one individual can have on a community.