All my life, I identified myself as a soccer player. I grew up in a town that prided itself on an outstanding soccer program. Everyone around me had the same interest in it: my brother, sisters, parents, and friends. My life revolved around this sport, and I was successful at it. I played on competitive teams, but I also participated in sports like basketball, gymnastics, skiing, and swimming. As I got older, I focused more exclusively on soccer. Soccer was my all-year sport, that is, until I got cut.

Going into my sophomore year, being cut from the team was a huge disappointment, especially since I was now separated from my teammates and friends. I had two choices: (1) to feel sorry for myself, or (2) to make something positive out of a negative experience. I convinced myself to find another sport in which to channel my energy. As a freshman, I was on the varsity swim team, but never took it as seriously as soccer. So, during soccer season I could always be found in the pool. I participated in a club swim team with the thought that practice would help make me a better swimmer. When high school swim season came around, I made the team and tremendously improved my skills. I advanced two levels and pushed myself at practices and meets more than I ever had in the past. As the season continued, I qualified for Sectionals which meant that I was competing at an even higher level. A few days prior to Sectionals, I became very ill and had to forfeit my spot to another team member who was healthy and could compete. It was tough to relinquish my spot, especially because I worked so hard for this, but I knew that the following year I would re-engage my effort to make my goal of Sectionals again.

By the end of my sophomore swim season, my coach gave me the award for “Rising Star.” One person each year receives this award for their resilience, attitude, sportsmanship, and being a positive asset to the team. Though I was not able compete at Sectionals because of my sudden illness, this award showed that my hard work and diligence did not go to waste.

When junior year arrived, I was training with my club swim team, still preparing for winter swim team. Given the setback I endured the previous year, I was determined to make sure that I could not only make Sectionals but qualify for States. My sights were set very high. I practiced and prepared myself mentally to swim my best, and I did, qualifying for Sectionals and States.

Over time, I realized that my failure to make the soccer team turned into successful opportunities in swimming. I gained another close knit community, broadened my interests, met new friends, and improved my abilities. By reaching out of my comfort zone, I was able to realize my potential in swimming, but more particularly, as a person.

Swimming in Sectional and States meets was a symbol of my perseverance over the last two years. No longer did I define myself as a soccer player, but as a swimmer. I could play soccer here and there, but my idea of success had changed. Success is not making a certain team or playing a certain sport; it is setting a personal goal and striving to reach it. Success doesn’t mean that I must focus all of my energy in one area. I must have diversification in my life, because being almost exclusive in one area limits my potential and opportunities, which will again cause me to fail.