I was
Today I played 6 hours of soccer in the cold and part of it in the rain and all of that was great, I love soccer, but the best part of the day was listening to Coach that I will play for for the next four years. He shared 2 quotes that really stood out to me and made me think about my life and how I got to the point I'm at. The first quote was
When I stepped foot in Millbrook High School I was ready for what was to come, I set goals, get on the honor roll, make the soccer team, meet new people, join clubs, etc. After achieving those goals Freshman and Sophomore year and gaining more freedom from everyone I set loftier goals that I could achieve myself. Some were academic but most were not for me. I wanted to take on more responsibility on my club team, I wanted to win a soccer state championship, I wanted to get closer to my family before I went to college, find ways to give back to my community, find out who my true friends were, have jobs, make a college team, and just be a better person in general. Those are goals that I've achieved but can still grow on going forward. For me celebrating the achievement of the goals is just as important as setting them and succeeding at them because in the beginning I wasn't what I was in the end. Achieving goals is a feeling that never gets old. Whether it was being captain, committing to Lynchburg, or winning state cup those moments were just as important to me as seeing my parents be able to relax, being able to run again after 2 surgeries, getting my dog to be well trained and listen, or seeing the kids I coached win their first game.
As we achieve goals everyday we check them off and move on to the next, but looking back I think it's important to reflect on how much of an impact each one of the small goals has on who we are and what we stand for. For me, the small goals I set for myself academically and put me in a position to get merit aid and be as prepared as I can for college. Athletically the little goals I set after surgery to get back to playing got me to the six hours of soccer I played today. the little goals I set for the team I coached led to them winning their first game.
The second quote he mentioned was
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
This quote made me think about what community service has done for me over the last three almost four years years. Over the last 3-4 years I have volunteered with several organizations in Raleigh and had the opportunity to do a service trip in Peru Sophomore year. When I was younger and participated in a lot of youth sports, I traveled a lot, was fortunate to have what I had growing up, and was definitely fortunate to have parents who insisted on being down to earth and giving to those who aren't as fortunate as we were growing up. Starting freshman year and ever since then I have been looking for ways to get involved in the community around me. The biggest thing that community service has taught me is that I can learn from everyone and everyone has the ability to have impact on someone or something. The community service I was able to participate in over my time in high school is something that I will never forget and will definitely being taking with me as I join a team that is founded on the 3 Ss. Scholarship, Soccer, and Service.
You are certainly a very persistent and strong person! I can't imagine the struggle of having to learn to run again, and I know therapy is often the most frustrating part of an athlete's life.
ReplyDeleteWith every goal you meet, it is important to set another one. It doesn't necessarily have to be a higher or loftier goal, but it is important to always be striving for something.
Service is definitely something that should be an integral part of everyone's life. It took me being forced into it by IB and MYP to show me just how rewarding the experience can be.
Unfortunately, you and I have only had the experience of one class together; ToK with Wofford (heart eyes). I hope at Lynchburg you find the opportunity to continue the three S's with passion, and if you do so you will certainly find a great way of life.
This is great! Making and achieving goals is definitely something I need to work on. I can see all the achievements you've made with your goals and it's really inspiring. I had no idea that those were some of your goals. I also love how important service is in your life and achieving your goals. I often think about how important service is. I think it can change the world and it's probably the much-searched-for answer to world peace. I think it's awesome how much you serve people whether it is purposely or simply by being a good example and friend, like you have been for me since elementary school. I know we haven't always been the closest, but I've loved seeing you grow up and find yourself more. And I've always been amazed by how strong you are personality wise and physically, as I've seen you overcome many injuries. You're so strong and amazing Delia! Good luck to you, neighbor!
ReplyDeleteDelia-
ReplyDeleteLoved having you this year- thank you for always speaking up, sharing, responding, etc. I admire you as a student and as a student athlete- when I look at you, I can see how one fuels the other.
Best of luck next year- I have no worries about you!