Personal Statement: Final Draft
Written by
Do you ever want to do so many
things but find that you just do
not have the time for each and every one? That is exactly how I feel. It
is incredibly difficult for me to choose certain activities because there
are many clubs that I want to be a part of. However, two things that have
had a major impact on my life are church and basketball. Difficult as it
is to imagine, being a part of both of these activities has helped me
mentally, spiritually, and even academically.
My performance in basketball has
helped me with many aspects of
my life. Everyone definitely learns patience when they play any sport.
When I first started playing basketball in seventh grade, I was just
doing it for fun. That year, I only played basketball for two reasons.
One reason why I played was that some of my close friends were on the
team. Another reason, and probably the more important one to me at that
time, was that it was a way for me to get out of the house and have some
fun for once. However, once I started playing, I became a competitor and
my actions on the court changed dramatically. Forcing to restrain myself,
not only physically, but also mentally became a huge task for me. Later
on, this aspect of self-control helped me to become not only a better
athlete, but a better student as well. I was constantly challenging
myself to improve and develop into a better person. Second best was not
something that I would settle for. Whenever I do anything, whether it be
playing basketball or writing an essay, I make an effort to do my best.
In my opinion, if you are not going to give everything you have when
doing something, then there is no point in even doing it at all.
My involvement with church has also
had a major impact on my
life. Attending church has helped me realize that there is a meaning to
life. We were not just born to please others, have fun, and do whatever
we want. On the contrary, we were made to worship God because He is our
Maker. Church has helped me grow so much in the Lord and has helped me
know God more and more. Certain situations in my life were impossible to
deal with without the help I received from God. I remember praying for
certain things in my life and when God answered me, His answer was
“wait”. That was definitely not something I enjoyed.
It was like just
give me an answer already. However, I know now more than ever that He was
definitely teaching me patience during those hard times. Since I learned
patience through those tough circumstances, my life was extremely easier
the last few years. There are a lot of things that I have to be patient
about and it is tough. Despite the fact that I hated it at the time, I am
so glad that God made me go through those waiting periods because in the
long run, it has truly helped me.
Basketball and church both have
nothing to do with school nor
academics. However, being involved in both of these activities have
helped shape what kind of student I have become. Patience and discipline
have helped me keep my focus and concentrate on the most important things
in life. Learning discipline and patience through these clubs that I was
involved with has made me successful in the last few years. Being
involved with basketball and church have definitely
made a major impact
on my life and have helped shaped the person I have become.
