All my life I have been told to slow down and take some time to relax. Family and friends continuously tell me how busy I am. The thing is, that is how I like to live my life-- every day to the fullest. If I take too much time off I feel I missed out on an opportunity to do something great! That is why I keep busy by playing volleyball and working out to stay healthy. I believe there is always time to give to others, which is why I am an active volunteer.
Some people wonder why I dedicate so much of my life to volleyball. I respond with one simple answer every time: it makes me happy. Other student athletes will vouch for me when I say that sports bring people together and help keep you focused on what you want. Participating in a sport holds you to high standards which you need to reach in order to compete. Club volleyball is what had the most impact on my life. When I began playing in 8th grade I was shy, and had a little extra weight on my body. I began club ball by playing on the top team in my age group. The fact that I was selected to compete with girls that had already been playing for years showed me how much potential I really had. Throughout the years I became more confident in myself and realized how eating healthy and exercising can improve your life. I lost the weight and began to discover the person I really wanted to be. Beginning to play volleyball was one of the best choices I ever made.
If I hadn't become a volleyball player I truly believe I would have pursued some form of art. There are countless home videos of me dancing and singing in front of anyone who cared to listen. Instead of playing with barbies or playing dress up with my friends, I would convince them to create a dance number with me.
I may not dance as much now, but I sure love to sing. When I hear a song I know, don't count on listening to the artist's voice. No matter where I am, I will be singing along--with some volume.
After high school I plan on majoring in Kinesiology or Exercise Science. Kinesiology is the study of the body in motion. I wanted to go into this major because keeping my options open has always been important to me. I do not want to "pigeon-hole" myself into a certain career. By studying Kinesiology it is possible for me to go into Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Orthopedics, or Sports Medicine. As of this moment I can see myself working in a high school as an athletic trainer. I really want to be on the field with the athletes who are playing the game. Throughout my years of being a student-athlete I have come to appreciate those who helped me through my injuries. I would love to help people someday like those who have helped me.
I can't wait to see everybody when we come back to school in the fall. Senior year here we come!
Hey Danielle! I hope your summer is going well! I admire the fact that you have so passionately pursued your love for volleyball in the past couple years! I remember you telling me that scouts have already been scoping out your talent! That’s amazing! You are a great volleyball player! I will try to come to one of McFarland’s games this year!
ReplyDeleteI like your outlook on life; I think it is very accurate. Everyone should live every day to the fullest. Keeping busy by working out and playing sports is a good thing as well. I love to volunteer as well! It’s very rewarding.
Sports in high school helps everyone stay happy, involved, and focused, like you said. It’s impressive that only as a beginner at volleyball, you already had a spot on the top team for your age group. Volleyball seems to have positively changed your life! I, like you, love to jam to some tunes and bring out some dance moves!
What non-fiction book do you think you will read for this class? I just started "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver, and I like it so far!
I can’t wait to see you in this class! I hope the rest of your summer goes by delightfully! Yes, we are finally seniors! Isn’t that awesome!?
Danielle, you and I have quite similar qualities! For being around you so much in volleyball and even club, I didn't know that you wanted to major in Kinesiology! That sounds like it will keep you involved in everything you love, such as staying healthy and keeping active, and also sounds like a great fit for you and your personality!
ReplyDeleteI too as a student athlete find that competing at the highest level is truly what it's all about. It definitely brings up your potential and drive to play better, as well as make you increase your standards. The game teaches you to push yourself, have confidence, and above all else, how to be part of a team. Playing sports is a great way to learn many important qualities that help out later in life and I can tell that volleyball has definitely changed the both of us for the better!
Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer! See you on the court!
Hey Danielle!
ReplyDeleteLong time no see;) I agree completely! If my day isn't jam packed then I feel like I'm wasting time that I could use for something exciting! People are always telling me how busy I am too and that I am putting too much on my plate, but those are the days that I like the best and I feel like I achieved the most!
That's awesome that playing volleyball improved your self esteem! I know for a fact that you are super good and I hope you continue with it in some sort of way, whether that is inter mural, on a team in college, or coaching!
It sounds like Kinesiology is going to be a very popular major in the next few years! It's really nice that you have some idea of what you want to go into, I know lots of people don't yet so having a bit more direction must be nice!
I hope you are enjoying your last few days of summer!