I feel fairly fortunate that so far in my life, I have not had many hard choices to make. Sometimes, however, I have to make decisions that perhaps my family agrees with, but others may not. I experienced a conflict earlier this year that led me to make a decision that I knew I was necessary, but one I knew would be disappointing for some and very hard for me. The decision to quit athletics in the middle of my junior year, and give up varsity track was a rough one. I have always enjoyed school athletics, track, and have always felt passionate about running hurdles. I won medals at track meets, and did extremely well during my first two years in high school. The coaches loved my technique, and I felt very proud when they sometimes asked the other track kids to watch me as I demonstrated with my long legs the best way to go over a hurdle. But I had to give it up, because I wanted and needed to give most of my free time and attention to my new position as lieutenant governor of Division 8 for Key Club. This position requires much time and organization, and involves supervising Key Clubs at six other high schools in the area. It is something I have wanted to do for the last two years, and I feel so fortunate to be able to serve the students in my community.

Because of the time-consuming schedule of athletics that required many hours after school, and on weekends for meets, I did not feel I could give it my all. I am not the type of person that can juggle multiple extra-curricular activities, devote the necessary time to school work, and study for the SAT and ACT. I discovered I had limits, and something had to change.
Being over-tired and stressed, and not doing well on tests bothered me, and my parents agreed with my decision that I needed to make some hard choices. Leaving the track team, my friends, and the coaches I love was extremely difficult. I did not want to let people down, and disappoint the team, but usually that is what happens when you quit something where you are needed and depended on. The coaches had invested two years and lots of training to help me excel at hurdles.

In January I had the meeting with my coaches; I knew I had to be mature, reasonable, and use my public speaking skills to make a coherent case for why I wanted to drop athletics. Fortunately, all agreed I had to do what was best for me and my future, but I knew that they were disappointed. No coach wants to lose a kid that they know can help them be successful at track meets, and I knew that I would be helpful as long as I stayed healthy. The other hard part of this decision is living with the stigma of quitting something, but I had to make a decision that was going to help me do better academically, and help me prepare for my future after high school. I miss track, I miss the hurdles, I miss hanging out with the coaches, and with all the people at the meets, but I know I did the right thing. I think I can now go forward with a little more confidence that I can give my schoolwork my best effort, as well as do my job as lieutenant governor for the people that are depending on me.