Tuesday I went to my first day of track/pole vaulting practice. I ran more than I have for the past six  months combined. And that night, I was so tired that I passed out at 10:30 p.m. and slept until 6:30 a.m. That’s late for me. My muscles are aching, but I don’t mind at all because it dawned on me that I’m now dedicated to something.

I’ve never been committed to anything before besides my horse Gypsy and, of course, my boyfriend Tanner. But when I heard my alarm go off Wednesday morning, I realized I had to get up even though I really didn’t want to. I was sooo tired, but I have practice after school every day now and sometimes on weekends. *tears*

Yeah sure, it’s only been two days since I’ve started practice, but I can already tell that pole vaulting is something that I could get good at, and I think it’s pretty fun. I’m just excited to have something to be dedicated to.

I think having a sport, hobby or even a job to be committed to is important in a person’s life. It builds character because I’ll learn what I can achieve if I work hard at something. Going to practice every day makes me a more responsible person and just like having a job, I have to be there every day. No exceptions.

I never understood why people were so dedicated to the sports they played because I never really had something to be passionate about (besides riding horses) and be committed to until now.

It’s the self-confidence gained in competing that drives all of these athletes to be at every practice and work endlessly to better themselves at their sport. If an athlete isn’t looking forward to go to practice or driven to make themselves better at their event, then there’s no point for them to be there. The satisfaction of crossing the finish line or clearing the 12-foot pole gives a person so much to be proud about.

All I want to do after school now is pole vault with my friends and get better at it. Going to practice after school is so much better than going home and sitting on my butt. I love the fact that I’m being active while doing something I like.

I’m willing to dedicate 2.5 hours after school every day, and I’m willing to give up an hour or two on a Saturday to practice because I want to be a dedicated member of the team. I want to be a person that my coaches can count on to be at every practice.

I think everyone needs something to be committed to. Whether it be track or football or art or baking or anything your little heart desires. Having something to be responsible for as well as be passionate about will just help shape you as a person overall. I never really had that mindset until now, and I love the fact that I can see from this point of view.