Sports are so beneficial for numerous reasons. They keep kids out of trouble, are sometimes a ticket for people out of bad areas, they inspire and motivate people, they give people purpose and passion. They unite people, create teamwork, bonds, and friendships that last a lifetime. They teach respect, they teach work ethic, and literally so much more.

I was never a true athlete until very recently. In fact, I never even really took sports all that seriously or cared much for them. I was always more of a student and didn't think I excelled much at sports. So, well, maybe I was a nerd, but whatever. Until I realized that I wasn't just gonna be a natural athlete- not everyone is. You had to work hard if you wanted to be good. I never really understood the concept of work ethic and hard work until this year, and I've been pushing it to the limit ever since.

One day, I decided that I was going to work the hardest at everything I did. I remember this amazing girl who lives in LA- she's an aspiring actress but, also, a waitress. She posted this awesome quote. "Whatever you be, be a good one." That quote has stuck with me ever since. If I'm gonna do something- I'm going to give it my absolute all and even if I'm not the best at it, I'm gonna work the hardest at it out of everyone.

Some people ask me why I'm so obsessed with my sport, why I'm so energetic, and why I always radiate positive vibes and happiness. It's not that I'm good, or that I started good, or that I find it all so easy. That's so far from the truth because at the end of a race, my heart is beating so fast sometimes that I can not catch my breath.

Sports exhilarate me so much and this year, I found the one to call my own. I honestly used to be that type of person who thought of things from such a simplistic perspective- "How are they so obsessed with a wooden stick and a ball?!" Obviously a quote from a non-athlete...

I'd never won a game, or scored a goal, or ran a race and crossed the finish line. I'd never seen the joy on teammates faces when they received a hard-earned trophy or seen someone get their medal, or get called for first place. I'd never seen those practices where the team looked like they were about to cry, or the team bonding sleepovers where everyone got to know each other on a deeper level than just on the playing field. All in all, I just had no idea. I didn't realize the passion, the work, the time, guts and bravery.

I just never really understood until I watched people playing their sports, met athletes, and listened to them talk about their beloved sport. I finally understood what it meant to be an athlete when I actually became one myself, and joined a sport that I absolutely love, adore, and am beyond passionate about.

For me, that is track. I look forward to it every single day.

It pushes me both outside and inside the classroom, it inspires me, and so much more. It gives me passion, excitement, and teaches me things I would never have learned had I not joined.

I truly believe that sports are so beneficial not only to a person's childhood but to their entire life. It's not that you need them- because I know there are tons of kids who love to play the tuba or dance or play anime. But for me, for right now, I'd like to focus on sports, because I know sometimes they get criticized (like I know that everything does at one point or another).

Sports, in the most materialistic context, are a one-way ticket out of nowhere. For kids in bad areas and cities, working hard as ever and really focusing on something. Whether it be soccer, track, football, swim, or whatever, can really get them out of the city and into an amazing D1 University where they can not only follow their dreams but get a degree, and thus, get a high-paying job. I'm so thankful we live in a society where anything is possible with hard work, great work ethic, and passion.

Sports give us passion, purpose, and drive. We want to be a part of something bigger than we are. That's why we want to make it to the top- to the NBA, the Olympics, Cheerleading Worlds, the NFL, the MLB. We want to be bigger and be a part of something outstanding and amazing.

We love that feeling the night before a race, a game, a competition, or a meet. We, as anxious as it is, love being on the starting line, or on the court, or up to bat. We love being successful - because it shows that our hard work and time is paying off.

We love our teammates and our coaches. Hell, we even, deep down, love our enemies. Our rivals, the ones who always beat us. Because deep down, we all have that fire, that passion, that drive. That same goal - so yes, of course, we relate with one another and we understand the struggle.

We all want the same thing. We are athletes. We are competitive, driven, and we make the world a brighter place.

We are one. And maybe that's the best part - maybe that is our ultimate goal, what we joined for, what we strive for, and what we get.

We are a part of something bigger than ourselves and we wouldn't change it for the world.