Personal Narrative: Football Field Day

I am six years old and in the first grade. Today is my favorite day of the year, besides the last day of school. It’s Track and Field Day! The sun is shining, and it’s a beautiful May day. I’m standing on the dusty dirt track, and I feel the sun on my skin and the wind in my hair. I hear my classmates chattering all around me. The grass under my feet is soft, fresh, and green. One problem breaks the stillness of this place. I want to win a blue ribbon, but I am not the fastest girl in the grade. Alyssa is. She is tall, skinny and fast. I am short, skinny, and slower than her. Quietly, to myself, I say, “You can do it, Annika.”
I sit on the bleachers with my class, nervously and anxiously clutching the plastic water bottle with my initials
The time is winding down until it is my turn to race. I hear Mr. White call out with gusto, “All first graders to the middle of the football field.” It’s my turn! We make our way down to the field. Then, they separate all of us girls into groups based on the race we are participating in. I am running the 200-meter dash. I wait patiently and hope that Alyssa chose to do the 400-meter dash or the 100-meter dash. Any race, but not the 200. She is next in line, and then she walks toward my group. My heart sinks. There are still a couple races to go before I race: the 50-yard dash, the 75-yard dash, and the 100-meter dash. Breathe in, breathe out. Breathe in, breathe out. Relax, Annika. It’s going to be just fine. I see my mom in the crowd, and she smiles and gives me two thumbs up. Mr. White yells, “All first-grade girls doing the 200-meter dash, please come to the starting line!” That’s me! My heart begins to beat a little harder, and my legs are ready to go. The shirt that I am wearing has wings on the back. I know that I will fly today. As Mr. White explains the route of the race, I see Alyssa, further down the start line. “On your mark. Get set. GO!” I start off slower, but I gain speed as I go. My heart is pounding out of my