Athletic Participation: From Strangers to Best Friends by Megan

Athletic Participation: From Strangers to Best Friends by Megan - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Sadness was in my teammate’s eyes at our end of the year cross country banquet. We had all grown so close throughout the season and my senior teammates and I did not want to leave our team for college. This moment represents my best decision of high school of joining a sport. I joined cross country freshmen year knowing one person; I ended cross country senior year being close friends with the entire team. Cross country has been the best part of my high school experience. I highly encourage incoming freshmen to participate in a sport that they are interested in. Being on an athletic team is a great way to meet new people, make lasting memories, and receive beneficial skills.

I believe that friendship is a key part to high school. Participation on an athletic team is a great way to meet new people. The members of the team share a similar passion to the sport. I started cross country looking around at a group of strangers. As I have progressed throughout high school my bond with my teammates has grown. I have met all of my best friends through being on an athletic team. Friendships form as you spend weeks, months, and even years with the same group of athletes.

Competitions, team dinners, and team bonding can create long, lasting memories for high school students. Sports offer a variety of activities that will create memories that will never be forgotten. A win against an unbeatable team or a new personal record can be something that one will remember for the rest of their life. Team dinners and team bonding also are fun activities to do with your teammates that create even more unforgettable memories. Some of my favorite memories are times with my teammates from activities like team dinners and team bonding. Athletics open doors to great memories.

Skills that are beneficial later in life are great things that come from being part of a sports team. Athletic participation is a great way to develop responsible habits in high school. Participation in a sport can mean numerous hours of practice every week. This can lead to great time management skills. A student will have to budget their time for school and athletics. This skill will be great for college in which you will have to balance your time between a variety of classes and activities. Teamwork is also an important skill that one learns from being part of an athletic team. Everyone on the team must participate and work together to achieve a common goal. This skill can benefit you when you start working. You must work with your co-workers to complete a certain task. Sports can give you necessary and useful skills.

To conclude, I believe that all incoming freshmen interested in a sport should try that sport. It may surprise you and end up being the best part of your high school experience. By participating in a sport, freshmen can look forward to making great memories, receiving an array of skills that will benefit them later in life, and making lasting friendships.