"Sometimes you need to let things go."
~ Captain Joey Whitley
I grew up with a deep passion for baseball, spending countless hours on the field and falling in love with the game. However, when my grandpa moved back to Colorado, he introduced me to a whole new world: hockey. Intrigued by the sport, I decided to give it a try alongside baseball. Soon, I found myself splitting my time between the two sports, playing hockey in the winter and baseball in the summer. It was an exhilarating and challenging experience that kept me busy throughout my childhood.
As the years went by, I began to notice the toll that juggling two sports was taking on me. It became increasingly apparent during my freshman year of high school, as the schedules started to overlap. I knew that I had to make a difficult decision and choose one sport to focus on.
After much contemplation, I made the tough call and chose hockey. It wasn't an easy choice, but deep down, I knew it was the right one. By letting go of baseball, I freed up my summers and relieved myself of the constant traveling and the pressure of excelling in two sports simultaneously. Embracing this change, I not only dedicated myself to hockey but also took on a job and prioritized my education. This newfound focus allowed me to explore more opportunities for my future while still enjoying the thrill of playing sports in high school.
"Don't Be Fast, Be Efficient!"
Throughout this journey, I learned two invaluable lessons. The first was the importance of finding balance in all aspects of life. Playing both baseball and hockey taught me the significance of maintaining equilibrium. I discovered that neglecting one for the other led to trouble, both on and off the field. My old hockey coach would always say “Don't be fast, Be efficient." This lesson extended beyond sports and into my academic and professional life, where I learned to allocate my time efficiently and strive for both quality and speed.
The second lesson I learned was the power of letting go. Moving on from baseball opened up a world of new possibilities for me. It taught me that dwelling on past choices or mistakes only hinders progress. Instead, I embraced a mindset of swift adaptation and learning from my experiences. This philosophy proved beneficial not only in my athletic endeavors but also in my academic and personal growth.
With these lessons ingrained in my character, I flourished as a student-athlete. I balanced my commitments diligently, excelled academically, worked hard at my job, and continued to pursue my passion for hockey. This newfound ability to manage my time and prioritize efficiently has equipped me with valuable skills that will undoubtedly shape my future.
As I reflect on this transformative journey, I am grateful for the experiences that have molded me into the person I am today. I am excited to apply the lessons I have learned—swift adaptation, a balanced approach, and a continuous thirst for growth—to all aspects of my life moving forward. With an open mind and a determined spirit, I am ready to embrace the future and discover how far these lessons can take me.