Letting Go by Kassi

Letting Go by Kassi - November 2013 Scholarship Essay

It is funny to think about how relative time is. One month in high school is comparitive to a year in the real world. Friends, grades, and homecoming dates are all so subjective to change. Just when you feel secure in life and with who you are, the universe decides to throw a new challenge in your direction, just to see how far you can actually stretch. High school is full of these adversities.

Being the perfectionist that I am, I always felt the need to be in control of each and every situation. Even if other people could not manage their lives, I was always going to be the girl who could overcome everything life threw at her and come out on top without as much as a scratch in my perfect armour. I think junior year was when I learned by lesson. I made the varsity soccer team, and was the starting center midfielder. In a pre season scrimmage, I sprained my ankle. On my prestigious high school team, playing time is hard to come by, and when you're out, you're out. I guess the timing just was not meant to be. That was a really hard time in my life because I had no control over my own outcome. When my ankle healed, the coach promised me playing time that I would never again receive. My pleas and questions were answered with false hopes and empty encouragement. I had never been in such a completely helpless situation.

I do not regret playing that season. Many would say it was a waste, including my father who told me to respond with frustration. But I am not that person, nor will I ever be. Disrespect is no way to accomplish one's goals. I view that period as a learnign experience, one that I needed in order to grow. There are things in life that we simply cannot control, no matter how hard we try. Some hold on to what little bits they can, but I have found it is better to let them go. I focused on the areas I was in charge of, like my work ethic. In the end, my efforts paid off and landed me the position of senior captain. There is no wayy I would have gotten there by giving up.

The difference between letting go and giving up is all defined by power. So many situations in life are predetermined, and as humans we often try to correct those things that we cannot. In my experience, it is far better to concentrate on putting positive energy into everything you do than to dwell on hardships.