A Soccer Injury Made Me A Better Student by Victoria

A Soccer Injury Made Me A Better Student by Victoria - September 2015 Scholarship Essay

The moment I woke up and saw my cat, Milo, on a gold pedestal my life was never the same. I am a recovering patient from reconstructive knee surgery and as a soccer player for almost my whole life, the effects and repercussions of this procedure has drastically changed my view as a player as well as a student.

My weird visions and mumbling from the sensational high from my anesthesia was a silly effect, but as that soon wore off I was struck with an unbearable pain that I had no other experience to compare it to. Looking back I see myself complaining of silly headaches and complaints of my aching athletic friends as incompetent to the excruciating pain I hope I will never face again.

Before my surgery, I was one of those students who considered school their second home without exaggeration. A scholar athlete of 3 sports, I had no other option. But as all of that was stripped away from me when a common practice injury didn't turn out as before. My daily routine was nothing but an old memory. I loved the freedom at first, but it was short lived when I realized how differently I function without pressure and routine. Without a busy schedule of afternoon practices after a quick snack at the bell, followed by scarfing down dinner, and a quick shower to end the day with my studies, I felt lost.

I began reevaluating my love for the sport now that it was gone and dealt with the heartache of losing the one of the only things I've worked so hard for. The sorrows and anxiety I faced made me more immune to other struggles that I now see as mediocre to what I have faced in such a short period of time at such an age. Even though I’ve looked at the surgery as downfall in my life, the advantages I can take from this are innumerable. The extra family time during the holidays, extra school activities I was able to participate in, and the long naps taken right after school ‘till dinnertime were the luxuries that account for only half of what this experience has given me. Knowing I went through this gives me confidence to tackle what life throws at me and has made me aware at the type of structure I thrive from. I’ve grown from the anticipation that has not only beat me up inside but also taught me to value the little things in life. This learning experience overall as matured me to enjoy life’s roller coaster of events and look at the brighter side. Whether the brighter side be coming home from school right when the bell rings or brainstorming crazy ideas to decorate my new scar. And of course, awaiting the next step in my journey to get back on that field to the long anticipated game, to shoot that winning goal once again.