Athletic Importance by Alexandria

Athletic Importance by Alexandria - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

I have been taught a number of lessons that are applicable to life both off and on the volleyball court. Volleyball has taught me how to communicate, establish trust between teammates, highlight my teammates strengths, continue when I am lacking, and accept my mistakes. The game has taught me these lessons, that have helped me grow as a player and as an individual. Volleyball has most importantly affected my leadership skills and helped me find a family. The knowledge that I now have will help me grow into a successful adult.
The most important skill I have gained through volleyball is leadership. I was once the player that followed behind the team, didn't give much input, and did not play boldly. My coach challenged me to be the best version of myself that I can be. She helped me to look at the game more logically, and mentally prepared us before each match with inspiring quotes and videos. My coach pushed me through each practice, and every game, until I could do so for myself. Eventually, I was taking a stand and helping the newer players on our team. I would make sure they were included in every conversation, group message, and team outing. As I grew as a player, my leadership characteristics did as well. My last season of high school volleyball, I always took the lead in getting the team excited before each game. We would play games, jump rope, and do anything that would make each other laugh. I ended the season by getting two awards, Sportsmanship and Leadership at our volleyball banquet. I am still honored to have received those awards, and will now apply my leadership to my career. The leadership skills I obtain from volleyball, helped me to create All Of Us Club in 2015. This is an all-inclusive club that I co-founded as a junior in high school. My club's vision is to, "Create a foundation of friendship that promotes school involvement." Special Education students are the center of my club, and our roles are to make sure they are respected and included school and community wide. We participate in events like Special Olympics, Polar Plunge, and are hoping to implement volunteering this school year. In order for me to be a successful leader in my club, I have went to the Missouri Youth Leadership Forum, to not only teach leadership skills, but learn some myself. I plan activities for us to do as a club; such as going to the movies and hanging out- outside of school.These students have helped me to become an advocate for those who cannot speak up for themselves, and have all around made me a more compassionate person. This school year we will be having a, "Spread the Word to End the Word" fundraiser and might even be pairing with the Best Buddies program. Going to a school that is all-inclusive is very important because everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of respect. Our club accepts everyone and is growing day by day. The overall goal for my club, is to include everyone all the time.
Volleyball has impacted my life greatly, and I rue the day that i cease to play. This game has taught me valuable life lessons, and more about myself that I could have imagined. With this scholarship, you will help me to make our world more inclusive. "An all-inclusive world is a beautiful world."