Graham P., Oakwood High School
The Greatest Joy
When I was younger all I ever cared about was how I performed. Either soccer, basketball, or school. I knew that you were supposed to help others because you get what you give. And I gave it my all in sports but I wasn’t always giving my all to be a good person who helps others.
I had an experience that changed the way I view Helping others. I never thought of how lucky I am to get to play the sport, and there are so many people who would love to be in the spot I could be in. During the 7th grade My team was invited to help with a program called Say Soccer. It''s an association that is paired with Cincinnati children''s, And It gives the opportunity for people with many various disabilities to enjoy soccer.
I thought about it, and I didn’t really care that much I just thought I had to go, and all my teammates would be there.We all arrived on the field with all these new kids and it was pretty exciting. We all got there and they were all so excited and ready to play. We were all able to pick a partner to play with. It took no time. Right off the bat a guy named Jack ran right up to me with the brightest smile, “ Can you please be my partner bro?” Without any hesitation, “of course!” And he insisted on making a handshake. After we got our handshake down, he wanted to tell me all about himself. His name was Jack he had down syndrome and other than soccer, he was also big on video games. After some small talk It was time to play some soccer. Jack wasn’t very experienced, but he had heart and wanted to be great. I would run along with him right by his side and help him through it all. He had the most hustle out there. He was also quite aggressive. Occasionally shoving a kid over or two. But he was also always the first to help them up and apologize. I''ll never forget how much joy Jack and his friends brought to the sport. It felt so amazing that I could help them and become their friends. I started to realize how much I loved all these people. And I felt a great reward even though I was given nothing. If I could I would do it over and over.
After teaching him lots about soccer and techniques it was finally time to go. It felt so amazing to help all these different people know soccer more and more. You Truly have a way better time helping others if you''re having fun while doing it. It didn’t feel like a chore or boring. But it felt like I was just having lots of fun with friends.
