The Influence Of Basketball On My Life

College Essay Since I was 7 years old, basketball has played an integral part of my life. I have devoted countless hours to not just a sport, but a passion, an outlet; to the game that I love. When I arrived at Bow Middle School as a fifth grader, my classmates and I would always look up to the 7th and 8th grade middle school basketball teams. Every year during winter carnival, the boys and girls teams would play a game in front of the entire school. Playing in that game became a dream and a goal of mine, but first I would need to make the team. For three years I developed my basketball skills, using my passion for the sport and desire to play in that game as motivation. When tryouts for basketball in 8th grade drew near, I knew I was ready. However a new coach would be at the helm this year. Our new basketball coach was also a coach for the youth football program. This resulted in numerous football
Over time, many of my peers would join me, as the restaurant’s reputation grew as a fun place to work. Summer waned and turned to fall, management philosophies and the culture around my work changed. I ended up working until 11 pm on school nights and my once friendly coworkers were fired and replaced with unkind, unhappy employees. I was no longer enjoying my job, but I had made a commitment to work until basketball season started in late November. I was determined to stick it out until then. What I had learned from the disappointment of my middle school basketball experience provided guidance for my decision process at work. I was annoyed with my job and tempted to quit. Instead I endured the long hours, unfriendly people, and poor management until I had fulfilled my obligation and could give my two week notice with a clear conscience. I worked hard and kept myself motivated so I was able to get some valuable work experience and stick to my