The Coach With The Red Penguin Silly Band by Claire

The Coach With The Red Penguin Silly Band by Claire - March 2023 Scholarship Essay

The first day I walked into the gym I was sweating bullets. My nerves took over, and my face was beet red. I’ve always been reserved, but I was even more afraid of the gym. I thought this way because I couldn't do push-ups, and my overall upper body strength was weak. I felt I would be judged for the things I couldn't do. Especially since many of the athletes who attended this group were older and stronger. Some even competed at the college level.

In the first few minutes, all I heard was yelling, “LEFT, RIGHT, FASTER”. In the new environment, this came to shock me as the loud voice seemed scary. But to my surprise, I discovered that the voice I heard was a calm, encouraging coach who was just yelling over the music. I also watched one athlete be consumed with joy as he accomplished a goal. He was happy for himself. Within his cheering, I observed his friends and other athletes come up and congratulate him as they knew how hard he had worked for weeks to gain the skill.

Within the first few months, I stuck to myself except for one person I knew previously. I was determined and wanted to gain knowledge and be confident in what I was doing. This gave me the courage to ask the trainers for help. As time went on, I felt better and started talking to other athletes and making friendships.

Hot days often seemed to be worse in the gym since there was no air conditioning. I can recall one specific day when it seemed to be excruciatingly hot. The day seemed to just be dragging along. When I got to the gym, my only thought was, "I just want to go home." But I wouldn't allow myself that pleasure. As I looked around the gym, I realized that everyone was in the same boat, miserable and sweaty but still pushing through. I needed to do the same.

In my moments of contemplation, the coaches continued to push me. Earlier in that session, I had given one of the coaches that pack of silly bands I had ordered from Amazon. Before my set, he came up and handed me the red penguin one and stated, “It’s red like fire; let this ignite the fire inside of you,” and he urged me to get to work. I kind of shook off what he said. I didn't realize how much these words of encouragement would help me in the future.

Now I am not embarrassed to fail or look stupid because I realize that everyone at some point has failed. I see failure as a way to grow and learn. Now I walk into a room with my head up and not sweating bullets from overthinking, and when people try to challenge or create doubts in my mind, I don’t allow them. I know that I’ve grown so much since the first day, both athletically and mentally. I have achieved many things by becoming extremely consistent in approaching my school work and striving to support others while being viewed as a positive role model setting the same example I learned. Most importantly, I have also come to see through the fear and judgment of others and the environment you put yourself in greatly affects your success. I surround myself with good people who motivate and push me to be a better person.

Although my coaches and fellow athletes may not have realized the value in the lessons they taught me or how a couple of words on a random day would stick with me. I carry the lessons through every day. Now when things seem to overwhelm me, I look down at my wrist and see the red penguin silly band and use it as a reminder that I have the ability to overcome anything because of my coaches.