Nothing Goes to Waste free essay sample

All my life, I identified myself as a soccer player. I grew up in a town that prided itself on an outstanding soccer program. Everyone around me had the same interest in it: my brother, sisters, parents, and friends. My life revolved around this sport, and I was successful at it. I played on competitive teams, but I also participated in sports like basketball, gymnastics, skiing, and swimming. As I got older, I focused more exclusively on soccer. Soccer was my all-year sport, that is, until I got cut. Going into my sophomore year, being cut from the team was a huge disappointment, especially since I was now separated from my teammates and friends. I had two choices: (1) to feel sorry for myself, or (2) to make something positive out of a negative experience. I convinced myself to find another sport in which to channel my energy. As a freshman, I was on the varsity swim team, but never took it as seriously as soccer. We will write a custom essay sample on Nothing Goes to Waste or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page So, during soccer season I could always be found in the pool. I participated in a club swim team with the thought that practice would help make me a better swimmer. When high school swim season came around, I made the team and tremendously improved my skills. I advanced two levels and pushed myself at practices and meets more than I ever had in the past. As the season continued, I qualified for Sectionals which meant that I was competing at an even higher level. A few days prior to Sectionals, I became very ill and had to forfeit my spot to another team member who was healthy and could compete. It was tough to relinquish my spot, especially because I worked so hard for this, but I knew that the following year I would re-engage my effort to make my goal of Sectionals again. By the end of my sophomore swim season, my coach gave me the award for â€Å"Rising Star.† One person each year receives this award for their resilience, attitude, sportsmanship, and being a positive asset to the team. Though I was not able compete at Sectionals because of my sudden illness, this award showed that my hard work and diligence did not go to waste. When junior year arrived, I was training with my club swim team, still preparing for winter swim team. Given the setback I endured the previous year, I was determined to make sure that I could not only make Sectionals but qualify for States. My sights were set very high. I practiced and prepared myself mentally to swim my best, and I did, qualifying for Sectionals and States. Over time, I realized that my failure to make the soccer team turned into successful opportunities in swimming. I gained another close knit community, broadened my interests, met new friends, and improved my abilities. By reaching out of my comfort zone, I was able to realize my potential in swimming, but more particularly, as a person. Swimming in Sectional and States meets was a symbol of my perseverance over the last two years. No longer did I define myself as a soccer player, but as a swimmer. I could play soccer here and there, but my idea of success had changed. Success is not making a certain team or playing a certain sport; it is setting a personal goal and striving to reach it. Success doesn’t mean that I must focus all of my energy in one area. I must have diversification in my life, because being almost exclusive in one area limits my potential and opportunities, which will again cause me to fail.