My New Obssession by Marissa

My New Obssession by Marissa - December 2013 Scholarship Essay

The first time I had ever played volleyball was when I was in elementary school; I never thought of it as anything important, maybe I was too young to realize. Once I attended St. James High, there was a physical education coach that wanted me to play volleyball for his team. Of course, being young and naïve, I declined his offer. Up until I advanced to my sophomore year, I had not known how much volleyball would impact my life. I finally decided to try out for the team and made it. It was hard at first but it soon became second nature. I would have never thought a sport would influence me as much as it did; once I joined the volleyball team, my grades began to improve and I stayed out of trouble as well.

Being on a team with over 15 girls is a complicated situation. The fussing and bickering can get to be overbearing, but being a team member has taught me certain people skills that I know will assist me well into college and the world of work. Being a shy girl that I was, being on a team with a large number I am now no longer afraid to hold my tongue. I have learned to communicate better with people and how to work together to accomplish a goal. In addition, participating in an activity such as volleyball has contributed to my knowledge of the school and community dynamic.

Playing volleyball is a very quick sport, which has improved my reaction time and my thinking process. I am able to stay focused and I am always having a plan for the expected and even the unexpected which are two skills I realize will help me in college. I have developed a sense of pride for myself and for my school, St. James High, since joining the volleyball team. I am more focused and goal oriented, have a great sense of responsibility and I am currently working on being a well- rounded person.

Now that I am a senior in high school, volleyball has become the only thing I want to do when I get older. It’s all I think about, everything I do makes me consider how volleyball can be affected by the outcome. I am currently deciding whether to go to school for coaching or being in the health profession; although I would love to do both. I can thank many people and things for helping me develop myself into the young lady I am today but I believe I have to thank volleyball the most.