Self-Narrative

It was almost time to show over 650 people what I had been working so hard towards for six months. This journey of mine was coming to an end and it was bittersweet. It all started in ninth grade when I decided to try out for the musical and play basketball. I was able to do this because my role in the show wasn’t large enough to have to attend every practice and they started after basketball practice had already ended. I really enjoyed doing both but I knew in the next few months I would have to decide between the two. In my school after ninth grade you could only play, or participate, in one activity in the winter months. When tenth grade rolled around I had to make a choice. All of my friends played basketball and, not to mention, I was pretty good (not to be cocky). So the decision was sort of easy, I played basketball. In March, when the musical was shown to the entire school I realized I made the wrong decision. Watching people sing and act on stage really made me reconsider the decision I had to make again in the upcoming summer. I took everything into consideration and debated for 3 months and finally decided to tryout for the musical oppose to playing basketball. A lot of preparation went into this; finding an appropriate song, find a character to fit the monologue, and finally memorize the monologue given to us. I went into the audition well prepared but this wasn’t like a basketball tryout, it wasn’t a group of people, just me. I thought I made a few mistakes but was proud of myself for even trying. We saw a lot of fake cast lists put up before the actual list was, the show was “My Favorite Year” and I had the lead. Having the lead was a huge responsibility and a lot of commitment; I was ready to face it. . I had to attend almost every practice and learn 11 songs; it was a lot more work than basketball ever was. One of the hardest things about giving up basketball was that people in my community assumed that because I was tall and talented that I should always play basketball. I received more criticism than I could handle from people looking down on me for making the decision that I did. I couldn’t believe the things that people were saying to me about my choice almost making me want to change my mind. As opening night was fast approaching I was more nervous than ever before, although, I thought I was really prepared. Making this decision sounds petty to some people but it was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in high school. It was bittersweet because I put a lot of time and effort into making my character in the show perfect and it was coming to an end but I was ready for a break. This decision helped me to try and achieve something for myself. The curtain finally opened and the show went great, I was extremely happy with my choice. I still love basketball and play all sports my free time but I was happy with the decision I made, I met a lot of people and got to show Center Township what I can do.

AlliesBlog showed the different side of sports, where people were supportive. Not saying that I did not have support from my family because I really did, but not from my community.

BensBlog also pertains to my narrative as it holds true to the fact that sometime things have to change and you have to change with it. Even it means making new friends or starting something new.