My Book by aaron

My Book by aaron - June 2014 Scholarship Essay

If I wrote a book, it would be about my experiences playing basketball on numerous teams since I was five years old. I have played other sports but none as religiously as basketball.

I recall the foul rancid body odor, and the euphonious sound of squeaking sneakers as they hit the freshly burnished floor. The wood glistened off the floor making a hollow-sound after every bounce, I treasured that sound. My only focus was basketball; I was completely engulfed in the whimsical fantasy of one day playing in the NBA. My priorities were backwards and my grades were downwards. This pipe dream caused me to shut my eyes to everything; my schoolwork, my hobbies, and my life. One day, we we’re playing Notre Dame and my coach didn’t play me at all. I was so enraged and ashamed. It was all downhill from there, my minutes steadily decreased from then on. I realized, finally; this childhood fantasy wasn’t looking very promising.

Sophomore year rolled around and I switched my focus to my grades; realizing this is what needed my attention. My freshmen year I got awful grades because my priorities were so misplaced. My love for the game had been replaced with an uncontrollable resentment for it. I decided I couldn’t ever play for the team again, even though; it had been such an essential piece of my past. On the bright side, my grades were on a steep incline. Every quarter I made the honor roll from then on. With my grades on track my junior year, I decided to play tennis for the school because I enjoyed playing. I went on to play again my senior year and was also on the wrestling team.

I wasn’t done yet; I was on a mission to be an academic scholar, so I joined a group in my medical careers class. The groups name was HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). The class consisted of 30 or more students. My teacher said to the class, “We are looking for officers of the class to lead us in our competitions.” I immediately took a strong interest. I went ahead and prepared my speech and presented it to the class the next day. Shortly after an election was held I became vice-president.

I was able to become a well-rounded person and came so far from the kid I was freshmen year. One must be adaptable to solve one’s problems, and see the big picture. One must keep his priorities straight or he will find himself in profound trouble. Any trouble I will face in the future I will be able to deal with because of what I’ve learned in the past.

So I guess my book really isn't just about basketball. It is about disappointment, perseverance, ambition and flexibility. Lessons that everyone has to learn while growing up.