The Winning Race by Emily

The Winning Race by Emily - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

It painful to let yourself down; however, it is heartbreaking to let down others. The fall of my junior year, my cross country team was projected to qualify for the State Championship race. Nerves were high, but hopes were even higher, as the team and I made it to the start-line of the qualifying race. The team of fifty girls, the dedicated parents, and the spirited coaches were ready to celebrate the first-ever Solon girl’s state-bound team. As a first-year captain and consistent varsity member, I knew today was the day to perform.
I performed that day. In fact, I performed the worst race of my season. There are not many words to describe the feeling of failure as I realized that I ruined the state qualifying chances for my team. While the sting of physical failure burned my legs, it was my own personal conduct that I found to be my biggest shortcoming. I was a captain, a leader, a shoulder to cry on when my teammates needed help, so why am I the one crying? Why am I the one storming off, vision blurred with tears and cheeks red with embarrassment, to seek comfort from my mother? I had failed as a leader. I had failed as a teammate. I had failed to be the strong, determined person that I wanted to become.
Going into my senior year, I placed my focus on becoming, not a better runner, but a better leader. During the summer, I spent six days a week, every week, organizing practices and motivating my teammates to run. While it took a surprisingly large amount of coordination and responsibility, I am very grateful that I was able to experience such a rewarding leadership opportunity. Waking up at 7 a.m. on a lazy summer day is not ideal for many people, but I approached each practice with a sense of excitement and vigor that encouraged the team to enjoy running.
The time had come for my last State-qualifying race. As the starting gun sounded, I was quickly reminded of last year’s failures. While the outcome of this year’s race was not ideal. I couldn’t be prouder of my teammates, and of the growth in my personal character. I picked up my teammates as they cried and felt the disappointment I had experienced. I gave them a shoulder to cry on, a friend to talk to, and a leader to look up to. While my cross country career was certainly not marked with running success, it was defined by my growth in leadership and character. I have learned to think of others first, and to always be supportive and positive, especially in hard times. It is the leadership that I was determined to develop that has shaped me into the strong person I am today-- and will be in the years that follow.