This is what I do. This is why i do it.

[Pierre Tamer]

I am Pierre. Immediate response: are you French? I fabricate some story about how my parents were born in France, shipped off due to a crime against the government, and gave me a French name to remind them of their roots. I am humorous because I believe it is an invaluable quality that can bring uncontrollable laughter to a dear friend, or maybe even force a small grin on a distraught stranger.I am an athlete. I play tennis to escape from the daily noises. I play tennis to release my emotions. I do it because it not only requires physical ability, but also a necessity that is quite often overlooked – mental strength. When I am losing in a match, it is the mental stability that allows me to fight back. The ability to stay focused on the present point, not the potential outcome, is an aspect of sports I believe is most exemplified in tennis. This mental determination has motivated me to show the same attitude towards school and work.I play tennis because it creates a unique bond between my brother and me. As a role model to him, I personally feel the need to lead him on the right path. More importantly, I strive to help him develop his own personality and individuality. Tennis helps me do this by allowing my brother and me to relate to situations on the same level –together we learn to always stay positive and focused. I play tennis because it motivates my brother to be active and dynamic. It shows him that organization, responsibility, and character are values learned in sports that are instrumental to daily life.I play tennis because it is who I am. I strive to maintain the same respectful attitude on the court off the court. I believe respect is the principal value in our daily lives. Respect dictates our character. It governs our codes of equality among friends and restricts our urge to judge strangers. Again, I am Pierre, and I’m not French.