To Run or Not to Run, That Is the Question by Rebecca

To Run or Not to Run, That Is the Question by Rebecca - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

One day during cross country practice, the captains stealthily suggested we cut our assigned workout short. So much for being good role models. All my teammates agreed enthusiastically, and it was decided: we would stoop under the tree, wait for a while, then continue the run. I was disheartened. I joined cross country because I find challenges gratifying; I’m not content unless I push my limits. Per safety procedures, though, I couldn’t run alone, so I reluctantly conformed.

That night, I chastised myself for not speaking up. How could I allow myself to yield to peer pressure? I vowed it wouldn’t happen again.

But it did. Again and again and again. I wanted to confront the captains about their apathy, but an irrational fear of the social consequences gripped me. Questioning their authority would render me a goody-two-shoes nuisance in their eyes. Alternatively, bringing the issue to Coach would mean punishment for the whole team, making me a traitorous tattle-tale.

I sank deeper into a sea of frustration and guilt. I ran by myself after practice to reach the proper mileage, but that only increased my feelings of isolation. After wrestling with my conscience, I came to a decision: I would talk to Coach. I couldn’t defy his trust any longer.

Several weeks later, I stood on the starting line for the District race. I felt strangely calm, knowing that dozens of intense practices had prepared me well for this moment. Confiding in Coach had been the right decision; I challenged myself and my teammates to be better runners while managing to stay anonymous. I followed my own path, I took risks, and I maintained my integrity. But above all, I ran.