It was a beautiful Friday night in early September with high school football in full swing. All at once an ordinary, routine football play changed my outlook on the high school experience and life in general. I leaped up to grab a pass, and as I jumped up for the ball, my feet got tangled with the opposing player and I crashed down onto my head. I was immediately taken to the hospital and was diagnosed with a concussion and at least two weeks rest from football. Little did I know, this would be the last game of my life. With my prior history of multiple concussions I understood that I would have a lengthy recovery process; but I never predicted the long term effects it would have on my life.
For weeks, I couldn’t think clearly and struggled …show more content…
I began to be more appreciative for the things I have: family, friends, and coaches. My mom was very supportive of me as I made the change, which in turn rebuilt our relationship. I started to realize that the only thing to combat the daze is a positive attitude. I became much more involved in school, running and winning the position of ASB activities director. During the semester following my injury, I earned my first 4.0 GPA which was extremely gratifying after all I had been through. I started and continue to be more involved with my church, attending mass regularly. I began to have great success in sports, finishing very strong in the state golf tournament. Although I made the tough decision to not play football my senior year, I did play tennis and even qualified for the district tournament! I also became the lead filmmaker for my school’s morning show, finding a passion that I want to pursue at the University of Washington. With all the hardships and difficulties resulting from my concussion there has been an outpouring of support and a new found confidence that I have never felt before. Although the head injury did negatively impact me to begin with, it has transformed me into the driven, determined person that I am
For weeks, I couldn’t think clearly and struggled …show more content…
I began to be more appreciative for the things I have: family, friends, and coaches. My mom was very supportive of me as I made the change, which in turn rebuilt our relationship. I started to realize that the only thing to combat the daze is a positive attitude. I became much more involved in school, running and winning the position of ASB activities director. During the semester following my injury, I earned my first 4.0 GPA which was extremely gratifying after all I had been through. I started and continue to be more involved with my church, attending mass regularly. I began to have great success in sports, finishing very strong in the state golf tournament. Although I made the tough decision to not play football my senior year, I did play tennis and even qualified for the district tournament! I also became the lead filmmaker for my school’s morning show, finding a passion that I want to pursue at the University of Washington. With all the hardships and difficulties resulting from my concussion there has been an outpouring of support and a new found confidence that I have never felt before. Although the head injury did negatively impact me to begin with, it has transformed me into the driven, determined person that I am