If I Could Go Back by Ralee

If I Could Go Back by Ralee - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Everyone wishes they could go back in time an change something or some situation they have been in. Whether is be to study for a test that they did not study for, or stay at home instead of go out to that party Saturday night, or even something as little as what they had for breakfast this morning. Being a senior in high school, I have a lot of those moments. However, knowing what I know now, if I could tell younger kids anythinf, it would be to not let this world define you. In this country today, it is so easy for us to get caught up in what's popular. Society puts too much emphasis on changing yourself to "fit in" and not enough on self-worth.
At my high school, I have been on the varsity basketball team for three years. It all started my sophomore year and ever since then, it has been a rollar-coaster of highs and lows. I am head over heels in love with the game of basketball and have been ever since I was a little girl. The intensity you feel when you're on the free throw line with seconds left in a tie game, the clutch buzzer beaters in championships, the team chemistry you acquire throughout the season, ever single aspect of the game, I fell in love with. Little did I know that my one true love would lead to self-destruction.
During my three years, I put all of my time, effort, heart and oil into playing thay game. I would go up to the school on holidays and stay after for hours to shoot and work on my form, I would stay after practice and run drills by myself, and I worked my hardest to be the best. Soon, it overtook me and became all that I was. I would sleep, eat and breathe basketball. It controlled my whole being. In my eyes, I could always improve my game. No game, shot or play was ever good enough for me, I was nothing but mediocre. Because of that, I always felt down about myself and never truly had 100% confidence.
Finally, my senior year, I had enough. I ultimately realized basketball did not define me, and neither did my performance. For me, my relationship with Christ defined who I was. After I truly learned that, I was more successful in my season. I finally thought I had great games and I was proud of who I was and what. I was accomplishing. All I had to do was be true to myself and go back to what I believed in my heart.
All in all, if I could let this younger generation know anything I learned throughout my four years of high school, it would be to stay true to yourself and do not let society define who you are or what you want to be. Be yourself and stay yourself because there is no other that can brighten up this dim world like you.