Personal Narrative: Quick-Start Tennis Program

When I was in Montessori, my teacher always told me to follow my dreams. Throughout my school years, I always put 100% effort into everything I did so that I could find my dream and pursue it. The Montessori Christmas play, visits to multiple farms, Summit Soccer and Basketball, Knights of the Round Table, and Praise team all helped me find my true passion and led me to being the person I am today. All those years I was searching for my true passion until one day, I found it. My mom handed me a racquet and I was set to follow my dreams. The first time I remember playing tennis was a simple Quick-Start tennis program. I was 6 years old and had decided to go with my friend Ryan Burns. All of the tennis coaches saw how much potential I had.
Because of tournaments of weekends and practice right after school everyday, I miss a tremendous amount of social events. For example, I have only gone to Summit’s Field Day once because 2 out of 3 of the Friday’s it is held on, I had a big national tournament. I also don't get together with my friends as much as other girls in my grade. Because of the rigorous tennis schedule, it is hard for me to get involved in other activities such as other sports, school clubs, etc,… Unlike other kids, I rarely have a weekend where I do nothing. I am either playing a tournament or finishing all my homework over the weekend so that I can balance school with tennis. I also rarely have a holiday without a tennis tournament. For example, on Christmas day, my family and I are flying to Tucson, AZ to play winter nationals. Being 5 foot 10 inches, I am constantly getting injured. I do multiple things to prevent injuries but it doesn't always work. I sacrifice inuring my body to play tennis. I sacrifice a large list of things in order to play at the high level I do. I believe these sacrifices are worth it because I am constantly doing something that I
The Summit has always stressed having a good moral character, which is one reason why I would love to attend there. I have learned to be independent and not let anyones opinion change me. I have learned to balance my tennis schedule with my school. For example, I try to knock out all my homework over the weekend so that I can have more time during the week to play tennis. I have learned to persevere and give 100% effort into everything I do because I know everything counts. This helps me in my academics because I will have tough homework assignments and I need to be able to push through them and put my best work into them. I have learned to be a leader and guide other people, helping them be the best person they can be. In school, I am always trying to set a good example for other students so that we have an environment that we can learn and improve. My current tennis coach is constantly working on my mental training to improve my composure on the tennis court. This has helped me see the positive things in the negative situations. For example, recently my friends have decided they don't want to be friends with me anymore. They positive in this is that I get to meet new people and I have really opened my eyes to the world around me. I have learned that excuses don't get you anywhere, and you might as well finish the task before its too late. One night at 11:00 P.M. I realized I