Varsity Life by Peighton

Varsity Life by Peighton - July 2024 Scholarship Essay

“We would like to offer you a spot on varsity”, these were the ten words I heard on November 14th, 2023, that made my dreams come true. What I did not know is that this monumental moment in my life that I had been waiting for since I was a freshman would lead to a series of challenges that would shape me into who I am today.
The first few weeks of my time on varsity were perfect. I was on a high from being selected to play on varsity and I played a good amount of time in each game. Soon enough though, things started to shift. I started playing less and less and began to feel very frustrated and upset. So, I decided to do something about it. I talked to my coach, and she suggested that I should play on both junior varsity and varsity in order to help myself improve. I was very resistant to the idea at first, feeling like if I played on junior varsity it would feel like taking a step back. Eventually, after talking to the people I trust most in my life, I decided to take that step.
What I did not realize is that it was not a step back at all but a step forward. As I started playing more on junior varsity and gained more confidence in my ability, I slowly started seeing my playing time and ability on varsity improve. Through this rollercoaster of a basketball season, I learned one thing. Life is not a one-way street forward, there are turns, and even U-turns at that, but eventually you will arrive where you wanted no matter how long it took.
This lesson could not have come at a better time for me because as I look to the future and see college and all the challenges ahead of me it is comforting to understand this lesson. Although I may forget it at some points in my life I can always look back on this moment and know that I can get though anything.