I grew up in a family of athletes, but that was something I was never into. My brother played Little league soccer, tee ball, baseball, and basketball. He actually played basketball all the way through high school. I did enjoy going to games, and it caused me to like sports more. However, I still never wanted to play one myself. I found other activities that I enjoyed more such as band, choir, and Girl Scouts.
Speaking of Girl Scouts, the first time I had shot a bow and arrow was at Girl Scout camp. It was one of those cheap plastic ones, so I did find it challenging to shoot. I had so never touched a bow in my life before then. I shot a couple arrows and went on to the next activity, never thinking anything of it or how that instance would lead into a great chapter in my life.
I started middle school in the 6th grade and met this really awesome, sweet girl in my homeroom class that I had quickly become friends with. As we got closer, I learned that her dad was one of the coaches for the school's archery team. They were trying to recruit people for the team, since this was only the 3rd season for the middle school. For the first time, they were also trying to start a team for 6th graders, since sixth graders were typically in the elementary division at most competitions. I had never shot since the time at camp, but I was very fond of this girl. So, I decided I had nothing to lose and went to clinics.
It was there that I actually held the bow upside down. I had mentioned that I did not know what I was doing, but that explanation was not needed after that occurrence. I also was not pulling the string back all the way the first couple arrows, which I was very kindly corrected on. I literally had no idea what I was doing, but I still enjoyed it for whatever reason. I was willing to learn, and there were patient people who were wanting to teach me. All of this happened in January of 2008.
Believe it or not, two months later was the State tournament. I had made the team and actually took home first place for Elementary Female. I was completely shocked that I had done that well in such a short amount of time. That was a fantastic day for Ripley Middle School. Both the elementary and middle school teams won first place as well, and every individual award in elementary and middle went to someone from Ripley.
That 6th grade season was the foundation of an incredible 7 year chapter. I was able to shoot until I graduated high school, and I honestly loved it. There were some difficult times when I did not shoot as well or I did not get along with someone on my team though. However, I never regretted any of it. Stepping outside of my comfort zone and trying a new activity definitely, "changed my life one arrow at a time." I met some incredible friends, gained a wonderful support system from the parents and coaches, and gained a new hobby. I miss being a part of it since high school, but as Dr. Seuss once said, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."