Bella B., Oakwood High School
Olympic Gold
One’s self-confidence can be a fragile thing. A hurtful word, a judgemental glance, or a minute criticism can send one’s built-up opinion on oneself tumbling down. At times, a crashing self-confidence may result in giving up. Quitting causes more depletion of self-confidence. And the cycle persists.
It was spring; the entire world seemed like it was thawing out from the harsh, frigid winter just weeks before. Many of my 5th-grade classmates despised going to PE in the sweaty, odorous gym. But I loved it. One unit, I particularly enjoyed. I looked forward to it every year and strolled into class each day, wondering if we would be starting it: hockey.
So in 6th grade, my mom signed me up for the town''s girls field hockey camp. I bounced into each class like someone who had just won the lottery and persisted with my efforts each day. One day, after I made a move I was proud of, our coach approached me. Being the coach of the high school varsity team, he oozed confidence and experience -- I became incredibly intimidated. He commented, “Bella, I look forward to having you on my team in high school.” My stomach dropped. It may have been a passing remark to him; however, it meant the world to me. He might as well have given me an Olympic gold medal; I was jubilant. From that day forward, I had one goal: make varsity field hockey my freshman year.
Junior high came and went and I played field hockey both years. Then came the summer of 2019. High school field hockey was beginning. In the bright turf fields of the summer in the sweltering heat, I met and played with the high school field hockey team. They were better than I ever envisioned. My aspirations of making varsity as a freshman evaporated over the course of the summer until they flickered out of existence. Although I didn’t anticipate making varsity that year, I maintained my self-confidence. When I gazed in awe at the team captains with amazing stick skills and ferocity on the field, instead of despairing, I revised my goal. If I worked hard and gave it my all at practice every time, I could be on varsity and be a starter one day, even if it wasn’t as a freshman. So I did.
Now, as a freshman, I achieved the goal I made so long ago, despite not expecting it. Because I always maintained my self-confidence on and off the field, I was able to exceed my goals. At times, my successes can feel like Olympic golds. Everyone has their own goals, their own Olympic events, their own gold medals that can be won. That is why I urge you to never give up. Even if you aren’t meeting your goals now, you can and will someday. Be confident about your abilities and there will be no limit to what you can achieve. Go out and earn your own Olympic gold.
