When I was little, it felt like the end of the world when my parents would turn off the TV and make me put on my uniform so I would be on time for practice. I remember begging them to let me skip, just this one time; knowing that no matter what I would say, they would still make me go. Back then, I didn't understand what the big deal was about skipping a practice or two. If I was so adamant about the fact that I would be happier staying home doing nothing, I assumed that my parents were punishing me by making me do the exact opposite of what I thought would make me happy. I often dreaded going to play with my team as a child, yet after every game, every practice and every tournament, I always left the field with a smile on my face.
When I got older, sports became the only thing that I would look forward to each day. School became less exciting, and the only way to spend time with my friends in a social setting was on the field with a soccer ball under our feet or in the dance studio at the ballet barre. My friends and I would coordinate our outfits to school, but with matching soccer tournament T-shirts rather than skirts and jewelry like so many other girls did. We liked that we had such a time-consuming hobby to share together, and I always think to myself that if my parents hadn't made me stay in my many activities as a child, I would have never created the friendships that I still value today.
Maybe my parents were persistent so I would get into a routine of socializing and making friends, or maybe they just wanted me to stay active on a regular basis. Whether they realize it or not, their decision to keep me involved in sports year-round has turned me into the motivated, determined individual that I am today. Even if I had practice the night before a test, I was expected to create a balance between both priorities. I didn't know it back then, but being a part of something and being pushed to give my absolute best efforts set the foundation for my values in being dedicated to whatever task I choose to take on.
As I've gotten older, my energy in sports has been transferred into other important tasks, such as creating a work ethic towards future goals for myself. However, the sports I was involved in throughout my childhood have taught me to keep the desire to be the best at whatever I do. I will always be grateful for my parents forcing me to turn the TV off every day and go play the sport that taught me the fundamentals for being the best version of myself that I can be.
