Marching on

As I walked through the school’s doors the summer before tenth grade into the blazing sun, I wondered if the choice I had made would be worthwhile. I wondered if I was going to fit in and be accepted. I instantly realized those few moments of worrying where a pointless waste of time as the Marching Band welcomed me as the newest member of the color guard. Over time, I was taught drop spins, a multitude of tosses, jazz running, as well as spinning rifles, but little did I know I was learning so much more than the physical. The mental and moral example of hard work, coordination, and acceptance of others was impressed upon me. Marching band has equipped me with lessons and values that will stay with me for a lifetime. I immediately learned the definition of hard work. Beginning in mid July, I invested innumerable hours and days practicing in the elements. Those practices where filled with frustration, bumps and bruises, and the occasional want to give up, but I drove on. The time and duties of practicing tirelessly, nursing sore muscles, and spending more time than preferred at school progressed into an amazing show for fans present at the Friday night football games. The practicing stopped only after I stepped off of the field after the last show of the season, but the time put in was worth the rush and pride of the amazing feature I had displayed as a member of the color guard. Through color guard I was introduced to my desire and capacity to work tirelessly toward a goal that will benefit my happiness and success. Second, the necessity of team work was instilled within me. I’ve learned that as a whole we are much more than what an individual could hold. One may look at me as I toss a six foot flag into the air and say, “Yeah, that’s pretty cool.”, but if we cooperate with each other I could spin through the drum line into the toss and make the crowd catch their breath in anticipation. I was also taught the downfalls of not working together