I play soccer. Anyone who knows me, knows this. In high school, I have often been labelled as an athlete only. Some see me as a goofy, arrogant, jock; however, I do not believe a student-athlete who achieves a 3.75 GPA can be defined so narrowly. My identity, interests, and talents are heavily influenced by soccer, but I am much more than a central midfielder.
As a result of my confidence, especially on the soccer field, I am often misunderstood and seen as having it all together. Some see me as a complete joke. Some do not see me as an intellectual. Most do not know me for who I really am, which is a result of never feeling safe in sharing my deepest feelings or history with anyone. I have a fear of being judged and unaccepted.
I started playing …show more content…
At times, I have experienced ridicule from my peers, even my friends, telling me I am prude. I have been pressured by peers to join them in drinking, drugs, and girls; however, I want to be my best, as an athlete and as a person. I simply decided a long time ago to behave differently. I have chosen to be a friend, and not judge or focus on the choices others make. At the same time, being an athlete has given me opportunities to be a role model for students. People have expressed admiration of my friendliness, generosity and mentoring of others. Being a role model has its challenges. There is pressure to present as living a perfect life, which is not realistic. I often feel inadequate in assuming I could help anyone when I myself am still figuring out who I want to be.
Some may always see me as “just another athlete”; however, I hope to resonate with others as more than a soccer player. Ever since I was a young child, I have felt a calling to be different and one of my goals is to be known as a man who demonstrated humility, generosity and kindness. My friends may poke fun at me today, tomorrow, and for years to come; however, I am confident that when we grow into adulthood, they will remember me by the character I displayed before them.
For me, soccer is the smell of a new pair of leather cleats, the excitement of a new kit, the thrill of a match going to penalty kicks; however, it is not all-defining of who I am or want to be. I am determined to combine my love of soccer with my desire to live my life as a kind, humble and faithful
As a result of my confidence, especially on the soccer field, I am often misunderstood and seen as having it all together. Some see me as a complete joke. Some do not see me as an intellectual. Most do not know me for who I really am, which is a result of never feeling safe in sharing my deepest feelings or history with anyone. I have a fear of being judged and unaccepted.
I started playing …show more content…
At times, I have experienced ridicule from my peers, even my friends, telling me I am prude. I have been pressured by peers to join them in drinking, drugs, and girls; however, I want to be my best, as an athlete and as a person. I simply decided a long time ago to behave differently. I have chosen to be a friend, and not judge or focus on the choices others make. At the same time, being an athlete has given me opportunities to be a role model for students. People have expressed admiration of my friendliness, generosity and mentoring of others. Being a role model has its challenges. There is pressure to present as living a perfect life, which is not realistic. I often feel inadequate in assuming I could help anyone when I myself am still figuring out who I want to be.
Some may always see me as “just another athlete”; however, I hope to resonate with others as more than a soccer player. Ever since I was a young child, I have felt a calling to be different and one of my goals is to be known as a man who demonstrated humility, generosity and kindness. My friends may poke fun at me today, tomorrow, and for years to come; however, I am confident that when we grow into adulthood, they will remember me by the character I displayed before them.
For me, soccer is the smell of a new pair of leather cleats, the excitement of a new kit, the thrill of a match going to penalty kicks; however, it is not all-defining of who I am or want to be. I am determined to combine my love of soccer with my desire to live my life as a kind, humble and faithful