Life Lessons with Jordan by ashley

Life Lessons with Jordan by ashley - April 2014 Scholarship Essay

Through the reading of Michael Jordan's biography, I learned that standing back up after being knocked down can be one of the most inspiring things a person can do. Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players ever to play the game, was cut from his high school his freshmen year. I was shocked by that information. He wasn't at the same level the rest of his teammates were. The disappointment that his failure had brought on was devastating. Most people would never want to play again, they would just give up. Not Michael. Jordan was determined to make the team the next year. Though his heart was still heavy with the prior defeat,he forced himself to improve. Pushing his limits to a new level, he drilled himself to the ground everyday. Running, shooting, defense, and ball handing became second nature. Not only did he make the team the next year, he was the main scorer as a starter for the varsity as a sophomore.

I chose Michael Jordan because he is my inspiration. He used his failure as a ladder to his success. It taught me never to give up, because sometimes the most heartbreaking failures, can be the most important variables in finding success. I have followed that lesson many times, and it has made me a much stronger, confident person. My character is something I am very proud of, but I can guarantee that if I wouldn't have followed his footsteps, I wouldn't be the person I am today. His inspiration lead me to inspire myself. Every time I get knocked down I think, "I'm not strong enough for this";and then when I think about how I would be selling myself short if I didn't at least try, I get ready to push myself to stand. Every time I get back up, is another time I surprise myself. There really are no limits in life, just barriers you have to break through, and I never would have broken through that logic, if it weren't for Michael Jordan's story pushing me to try.