There is more to something than meets the eye

This semester, what I have learned can be summed up in one idiom; there is more to something than meets the eye. Before American Studies I defined home as a place of comfort, but now I understand it depends on whom you ask. Each individual has a unique story to tell, through these stories we can learn to appreciate their life experiences. The definitions of words and summaries of concepts are the tools for students to learn. However, to gain a deeper understanding one must know the concepts we define have various meanings depending on whom you ask.

(Word Count: 98) 

To lead or not to lead

3 years of training leading up to AAU nationals was taken away in 20 seconds. The ball was set: high, but tight to the net. I started my approach. Little right, bigger left, biggest right, step together, jump…POP.

3 years prior to this moment I was asked to go to AAU nationals with the 18s club team as a 15 year old. I trembled as I stared at the giants across the net. My 5’6” average self had never felt so small. I was terrified. I suffered through the most mentally, and physically taxing week of my life, but I was excited because I knew in 3 years I would get to lead my team to this tournament.

I lay on ground paralyzed with fear; my goal to lead my team to nationals was in jeopardy. The doctor confirmed—I had torn my ACL. This was my worst nightmare because I never let an injury keep me off the court. How could I possibly be a leader from the sidelines? I immediately called my coach. Balling, I choked out the words, I am sorry for letting you and the team down. He told me, I can still lead, but that doesn’t mean it has to be on the court. I didn’t want to believe him, until now.

I am permanently benched, but as a coach. When I signed on for coaching, I had a mother come up to me and say, “I don’t know what you tell my daughter, but you are really helping.” What that mother doesn’t know is her statement combined with my coach’s advice changed my life. I am a still a leader, but as a role model. I have girls that look up to me, and it is my job to make them better volleyball players and individuals. 

Motivation doesn't always come from the court. (subject to change)

(WC: 300)

Star-$-s

45 minutes, that is how long it took me to drink my venti iced caramel macchiato as I observed everything happening around me. The smell of pumpkin spice latte’s and folk sounds of Zac Brown Band filled the coffee house. The nonchalant atmosphere of Starbucks in Bel Air draws business people and young adults to this cool space. Groups and individual people seem to waste hours at a time reading a book, chatting with friends, or staring at electronic devices. Starbucks is an ideal space to hang out; it fulfills the needs of its customers by making delicious coffee and creating an inviting ambiance. Starbucks makes a customer feel welcome, you are allowed to hang out for hours at a time and they offer free Wi-Fi. These perks make Starbucks the perfect public space for a person who wants to relax.

(Word Count: 141)

Leaving the Game

I had been playing a game, a game that I could never win. For as long as I can remember I had always made decisions to please the most people possible, even if it was at the expense of my own happiness. My mindset was always; if I put others first then they will never have a reason to judge me. I rolled the dice of life and it landed where the paths split, I could either choose my relationship or my parents. I tried to choose both, but it took an emotional toll on me. I couldn’t win with either; in the process I lost all directionality in my life. At this same time I was getting serious about surfing, it was the only thing that comforted me. Deciding to take surfing serious was the first decision I made for myself. I live for the adrenaline that pulses through my veins when I paddle, when my determination to charge into the face of wave takes over. I live for the moment of having complete control. When it’s just the wave, and me, I feel that I have won the game. To quote the movie, Chasing Mavericks, “this is about more than just surfing, it’s about finding what sets you free.” Surfing did set me free; it gave me the strength to break away. I didn’t have to choose my parents or my relationship because I chose me. Every decision I now make I consider my own happiness first. The dice are now in their hands, they can decide how they want to see me—I am leaving the game. I considering surfing to be my lifesaver, because of surfing I am a stronger Individual.

I believe that putting yourself first is the only way to live your own life.

(Word Count: 300)

110th

110^th street, Stone Harbor, the street where the waves push against the jetty creating the perfect curl. This beach represents a lifestyle; 110^th street is the surf only beach, surfers flock to catch nice waves and be with friends. We are a community that shares the same passion for surfing. The rush of paddling your hardest, popping up, and catching the perfect wave is an indescribable feeling for us. The love we have for this particular surf spot is unWAVEring. 110^th street is our identifier; it is our home, and taking away this beach would take away half the fun.

(Word Count: 100)

<--That's Jen Bohn and I.

Just Do It

Just Do It—the slogan that encapsulates my lifestyle. Looking down and seeing the Nike swoosh as my foot meets the pavement motivates me to take that next step without hesitation. The comfort and style of each different model allows me the freedom to just do what I love. I especially love to customize my own Nike’s. When I customize them every shoe I design has significance; whether it is the colors or the model, each are a representation of my passions. My love affair with Nike shoes will continue as long as I continue to live an active lifestyle. 

(Word Count: 100)

Intensity beginning with the Warm-up

My intensity can be reduced to a single orange warm-up jersey bearing the number 29. As we stood behind the doors waiting to step out on the court my heart would race. What calmed me down was knowing how intimidating my teammates and I looked in our warm-ups. It gave me confidence in my skills, passion in my heart, and intensity on the court. This jersey brought on my initial burst of adrenaline; with it on I was unstoppable. I played to win. To this day the only jersey I have kept is that orange warm-up bearing 29. 

(Word Count: 99)