We all know athletics mean a lot in today's society, especially in America where kids are prone to staying at home all day, wasting away before a computer screen. However, what's the difference between fall sports and winter or spring sports? Why do we have to bury ourselves in boot camps for the fall sports and back to school homework our teachers incessantly give us? I know the feeling of being completely swamped and wishing that I didn't have to go to school or stay at school for a tennis match or marching band practice (in my school, marching band is even more intensive than some sports, so its generally considered a "fall sport"). But at the end of the year, there is a reason for joining the sport of your choice.
For one, every fall there is a huge influx of freshmen. The freshmen who are just starting high school and afraid of everything in sight, yet very excited to experience something different from the small pond which they originated from. I remember as a freshmen, being scared out of my wits, but still highly anticipating a change of scenery and more people to interact with. Luckily, a couple of weeks before school started, I was already interacting with marching band students and tennis girls. At school, football coaching, soccer tryouts, field hockey scrimmages and volleyball practices were being held daily alongside the tennis practices. I felt like I was part of a working system that existed way before school started, it existed solely for the purpose of preparing us for the upcoming year and I was surprised by how well everyone treated everyone else. And the minute I walked into school, someone, whether it was a senior or a former classmate of mine, would be there to greet me. The one thing that greatly acclimates an incoming student to the high school environment is being part of a team that has practiced together and met with one another over the school break.
A fall sport also keeps everything in perspective. Students without a fall sport or an after school activity to fall back upon lose the grand notion that high school should be some of the greatest, if not the greatest years or your life. I know I was apprehensive over the school work that I would be given and, as the incurable procrastinator that I am, I knew I would be swamped with work everyday. But many students forget that high school isn't just a huge workload, it's also a time to make lasting friendships and to keep in shape as an active student. I'm thankful after every tennis season for the ties that I developed and the exercising time it gave me. I will be forever grateful that while I could have had my head stuck in a book studying 24/7, I was instead taking breaks and enjoying the fresh outdoor air. I'm not saying doing no homework is a way to get through your high school life, but being open to going out and spending time with friends is a great way to spend your time.
If I had to give advice to a freshmen, as the senior I am now, I would definitely recommend a fall sport and/or activity. I wouldn't be the person I am today without a couple of seasons of playing tennis or marching with the band or participating in every club I was interested in. I'm better for it and I hope all freshmen takes this advice to heart.
