5.

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal

growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

My nerves were building...The biggest game of my life was happening tonight. We

finally had arrived at Spring Ford High School where we would be playing in the District

1 Semi finals for Basketball. Nothing could stop the feeling I had inside. I knew that this

game I would have to step up in every way possible. Even though we have five

phenomenal seniors ahead of me and I knew if I was given an opportunity I needed to

shine. My music playing full blast on my airpods allowed me to finally started letting my

nerves go. I took a deep breath and realized as long as I’m playing like me, I’ll be fine.

The captains came into the locker signaling it's time to warm up. I gripped onto my

laces; tied them extra tight, tied my pre wrap, and laid it on my head, to keep the hair

out of my face. One last time I took a deep breath to calm myself before it all started.

The clock started which meant we had twenty minutes to warm up. Layup after layup

and shot after shot I was starting to feel really confident. My coach then pulled me aside

and told me about the best player on the opposing team. Her name was Lucy. She had

many division one offers but that didn't stop me. I took this as motivation and kept my

focus on warm ups. The buzzer finally hit zero and the game was about to start. As

usual the five senior starters went out on the floor. Each of us underclassmen took our

seats on the bench and started cheering as loud as possible. This game was all going

to be about who wants it more and who doesn't back down first. Each of the

possessions was so valuable. Morgan took charge on the offensive end and dished it to

our three six foot girls inside the paint. The tiredness was starting to show. Our guards

needed a quick sip of water. At that moment Coach Woods turned around and made
eye contact with me. My heart started racing. I get in but when I do I need to make the

most of my minutes. When the opportunity came I needed to shine. I stuck on Lucy, the

best player, Her ball handling was insane. I would move one way and then before I

knew it she was going the opposite way. My nerves started building; I didn’t think I was

good enough for her. After the first play when I let her score, a spark lit in my body. I had

one job and that was to eliminate her from being the biggest threat in our game. On her

like glue, I went every which way she was. As the game started getting intense I started

shutting her down. Play by play I limited her from scoring. This was my chance. I finally

got the respect and opportunity from my team. The buzzer went off and we had just won

the game! It came down to the last shot and I was able to stop Lucy from scoring it and

winning the game for her team. The excitement filled the locker room. A smile from ear

to ear filled my face when everyone was recognizing what I had done for our team.

Newspaper reporters came and talked to me and everyone was congratulating me on

an awesome game. Just like I said, when I get the opportunity, I need to make the most

of my minutes. And for sure I felt like tonight I made that happen. This moment was a

time I could never forget.