I kept my life on track through track
January 31, 2018
Some of the most important experiences in my life have come from trying things I initially thought I wouldn’t like. I know, lots of people say they try new things and turn out to love them, but I was adamantly against pursuing almost all of my current extracurricular activities at the start of my freshman year. Now, four years later, I could not imagine my life without these activities.
I would say the most glaring example that comes to mind is running. I knew right off the bat that I would not be taking P.E. as a high schooler, so I had to participate in a CESJDS team sport. I had played soccer since first grade and was on the middle school team with all of my friends, so I always assumed that I would play it in high school as well.
One friend, however, surprised me before the start of freshman year by telling me she wouldn’t be playing soccer, but rather would run on the cross-country team. I spent hours trying to convince her to play soccer with me and told her how hellish I found the idea of running, but she somehow convinced me to join the cross-country team with her.
It was the best decision I have ever made. The cross-country and track community at JDS is my family. Even though running is technically an individual sport, I had never felt so much a part of a community that works together as I have on our running teams.
Running has given me a more motivated mentality that urges me to accomplish more, whether that be in school, for The Lion’s Tale or in my personal life. I have learned how important this mindset is and that I am truly in control of my own destiny; thus, it is all a matter of how much effort I put into things.
The Lion’s Tale and the debate team are other activities I initially was wary to join, but that have both played a huge part in making my high school career as amazing as it has been. From these activities, I have learned how to better communicate and developed a real interest in politics, something I will bring with me into my college studies and adult life.
Change, as we all know, is a scary thing, but bringing things we already know and love with us gives us a sense of comfort. I am fortunate to have been able to participate in these activities and plan to carry them with me for the rest of my life.
So, when your friend begs you to join the chess club, the swim team or anything else that sounds unbearable to you, give it a shot any- way. It might just turn out to change your life.
