Hockey

            Life consists of friendship, learning, and achievement, and hockey has been one path I have taken. Hockey is a game of tradition that has great meaning in people's lives. In my life, I have experienced every level of the game, from recreational, to club teams, and finally to the varsity level. Every practice, game, tournament, win, and loss has left a mark on my life and always will.
             Camaraderie and friendship has sprouted in my life through hockey. At the beginning level, club teams introduce players from around the city and we meet new people. As players get older, we are able to associate off the ice more and build better relationships. High school hockey brings friends together. We learn new skills, play great opponents, and rejoice through win and struggle through losses together. A hockey team is more than a group of players meeting a few times a week. The bond between players is evident through the powerful game of hockey, and that bond is stronger than any foe.
             The game is an intricate process that involves understanding your teammates, anticipating the opponent, and following and learning directions. Serious life lessons connect to these points that have been essential to my social life and school career. Without cooperation of the team and me, no wins can be accomplished. I have learned to compromise with and listen to my classmates, friends, and family members to better understand and associate with them. Listening and learning from my coach has given me discipline to work toward my goals with initiative and preparation. I owe much of my high school academic success to the discipline I have learned in hockey. Without the guidance from coaches and fellow players alike, my life would not have the same focus without the game of hockey in my life.