Ever since I could remember, I’ve been obsessed with sports. Whether it be playing them in my backyard or observing professionals on TV, sports have provided me with an outlet, an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

I vividly remember coming home from school each day during my elementary years and spending hours studying baseball statistics. My family would often poke fun at me for this, but it didn’t bother me. I loved watching and analyzing baseball just as much as I loved playing it. I played on a travel team for nearly six years and was a consistent Little League all-star selection.

I stopped playing baseball in high school in order to pursue a track and field career. As someone who always maintained natural speed, I thrived as a sprinter for Middletown South, earning a varsity letter in three of my four years at the school. Although my interest in professional sports somewhat diminished during this time period, I still kept up-to-date on my favorites teams from each of the major sports.

Recently, however, I’ve undergone a transformation. The competitive atmosphere that accompanies college life not only pressures me to maintain meritorious academic standing, but it also compels me to get involved with extracurricular organizations. Because of this, I’ve been very busy during the past few months and have unfortunately lost touch with many of my passions, with perhaps the most prominent being sports.

College has been a life-altering experience for me thus far. I can confidently proclaim that I am a much different person now than I was at this time last year. Many of my old habits have vanished, while my work ethic has improved substantially. While this may be a good thing for establishing a positive reputation and developing connections in the professional world, I definitely miss having time to enjoy leisurely activities, such as sports.

There’s something special about sports. Sports mimic life in how they require dedication and struggle to reach success. Teams train together for months with hopes of achieving their goals. Nothing is guaranteed in sports. The underdog may unexpectedly triumph over Goliath, or supposedly unreachable milestones may be eclipsed, and I’ll be sitting there in awe, unable to process what I just witnessed. It sends a wave of emotions through my body every time.

You may not be a fan of sports, and that’s okay. I’m just trying to convey my feelings in a way that’s comprehensible. I’ve always loved sports and I always will.

In the future, I pledge to allocate more of my time towards sports. It can be something as simple as kicking a soccer ball around on the intramural field or watching a basketball game on TV, but one thing is for sure: I need sports in my life again.

ASAP.