why do you do what you do

[Vivian Luong]

This is what I do, I play badminton. I play badminton because of the thrill and exhilaration of competing and winning is addicting. It feels like I am on the top of the world and nothing can bring me down. The rush I get when the shuttlecock comes down on the other side of the net and as the opponent scrambles for it is makes each minute, hour, and days of practice worthwhile. Practicing badminton is tedious but when I master a new move, I feel accomplished. Towards academics, I do not get very excited when I get a new concept like the way I do for badminton. I like to be moving about when I and learning, not sitting in a classroom while someone is lecturing me about a subject that does not interest me. Playing badminton is also good for my health. When I am playing badminton, I can feel the stress of the day, week, or just since the last time I played, melt away. I do not have to worry about anything except hitting the shuttlecock as far and as hard as I can. Since I started playing badminton, I noticed that I have become more competitive in sports and academics, and my self esteem has risen. I am more confident now when approaching people. I just face the obstacle like I am facing an opponent in a game: with determination and the need to succeed. I have become a better leader too because I was captain of the team my senior year in high school. Being the captain had its responsibilities which I tackled as best as I could and it brought me closer to my teammates too, whom I hold dear to me like they were my second family. Playing badminton is more than a sport for me; it’s become a part of who I am. I have found something that I enjoy, makes me feel good about myself, and keeps me healthy.