Eve W., Miamisburg Middle School
Game. Set. Match.
I hit the ball. The reverberation of the racket against my palm. Keeping my eye on the ball as my opponent swings. I shudder with nerves; just awaiting the ball I’m going to return. Making sure my feet are anything but stationary. My opponent hits the ball… “Out!”. I won the game, but the fight isn’t over yet.
My life is like the game of tennis. Constantly fighting for what I want. The opponent, being all the obstacles, I must overcome. At times I get tired, but I have to stay alert. And the ball, the ball is all my hopes, dreams, and plans for the future all in one. I strive to win, to conquer my opposer. I won’t fumble my place in life for someone else.
Tennis has taught me a multitude of lessons. Dedication, determination, passion, fierceness, and stamina. All of these skills I can use on and off the court. I can apply them to my life every single day. And I will continue to use them throughout high school, college, and furthermore, in every part of my career. These strengths will help me build a foundation for my future.
I have felt like I was in a rough spot, and it was hard for me to continue. My granddad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a few years ago. At the time- I didn’t know what that meant for myself and my family. In the beginning, I didn’t notice it as much. My family and I didn’t have to entertain him or keep him busy. But now he says things that may not make sense at times or wanders off places. It doesn't change the fact that I love him, and he will always stay in my heart, no matter what the future holds. He may not remember my visits or games, but it takes his mind off other things: pain, old age, family members that have passed. In no way am I pinning myself as a hero. Rather I am pointing out the fact that hard times are going to occur, but how I deal with them shows my true character. I can truly use the lessons of tennis, so I persevere getting from the beginning to the end of my obstacles.
When I feel like giving up or stopping because of an obstacle, I remember all of the life lessons my passion has taught me. I tell myself I can. I can, and I will. After all of my progress through not just tennis, but the realizations I’ve made through life- I can’t stop here. I know that just because I’m aware of these positive ways of thinking and working doesn’t mean that I’ll never feel threatened or hindered by something. But what I do know is, I won’t ever lose heart. I won’t fall when things get hard. That is a true foundation.
Game, set, match.
