Varsity

Varsity
Alexis Couser

Word Count: 298

 

 

 

            My participation in organized sports not only introduced me to fitness concepts and guides for healthy living, but it also taught me some valuable life lessons. Behavior and attitudes that I adapted from my participation in sports have translated into my education, employment, friendships, and family life. For instance, during the summer before my sophomore year of high school, I was invited to participate in two-a-day practices with the varsity girls basketball team. The members of the varsity team were stronger, faster, and much more developed than myself. However, despite the adversities of the sweltering heat or the embarrassment that I felt as I lagged behind the varsity athletes, I continued to practice with varsity team that entire summer. I was rewarded for my perseverance with a spot on the varsity girls basketball team my sophomore year of high school. Furthermore, participating in organized sports teaches individuals teamwork and cooperation. While playing basketball as a young child, I always played on teams in which most of my teammates were older than myself. At first, it seemed as if my teammates did not approve of a younger girl joining their team. They felt as though I could not relate to them and their more mature lives. However, as time progressed, they began to appreciate my contribution to the team. I learned that with so many different personalities and interests combining to form one collective group, misunderstandings are inevitable. Although we weren't close friends, my teammates and I learned to respect each other's contributions to our collective effort. Being a member of a team prepared me for life situations that require interpersonal, communication, and cooperative skills.

BELIEF: Sports are a metaphor for life because they require individuals to persevere through adversities, cooperate with others, and work hard to achieve success.