Assignment 22: Sarah

            My experiences include some of the things I have started participating in, in high school.

           When I started going to a gym to powerlift my first year in high school, so I could compete in powerlifting competitions. I have competed in two competitions in high school and at both I won my age and weight class. At the beginning of my training I believed it was only about the strength of my muscles, but over time I learned it was also about the strength of my mind. I had to believe that I could lift the heavier weights; if I did not it was like I had already given up. It taught me the power of confidence.

           Freshman year I also started to compete in archery. In the beginning it is important to simply get the technique correct, but as you improve it becomes more and more of a mental game. Not only do you have to have the confidence to believe your arrow will be a 10 (the highest score for a single arrow), but you have to discipline your mind to focus on every single thing your body does to be as precise as possible, so you can shoot consistently.

          As drum major in the marching band this past year I have learned the value of disciplining my mind to not give up. When you are in front of a group of people you do not have the option to say something is too hard. You have to have confidence in your abilities, know the technique of conducting and leading, and persevere.

          I have wake boarded for about 10 years, however since high school I have set a new goal to “get air” on the wake board. I have now successfully gotten some air, but I have also learned how scary it is. I have had to trust my abilities, but also push my boundaries and comfort zone, while testing both my mind and physical ability.

         In college I will be on my own, which means I will be responsible for what I choose to do or not to do. Through my experiences I feel as though I am better prepared to be successful in college. Through powerlifting I have learned how to encourage myself and have confidence in my abilities, which will help me trust myself and not become overwhelmed as easily. I can be more disciplined in my studies through what I have learned in archery, to focus and block out distractions, and by being drum major, to preserve. Lastly, I will be able to step out of my comfort zone and try new things in college due to my experiences from wake boarding.