College Essay

          My grandfather always tells me, “Character is one of the most important things to determine if you will be successful or not; all things are difficult before they are easy.” This leads me to think if we don’t have a good character; it will be difficult to do many things. Without it, it might be easy to give up or have bad relationships with others. One thing that shaped my character most was sport. I started playing different kind of sports when I was in grade 5. I have learned to play tennis, bowling, and softball. My parents and coaches were very strict with me. They hoped that I would do my best in the games.

I joined the bowling and softball teams in high school after I came to America. As an international student, it was hard to blend with the team. Most local students had already got a very good understanding with each, so I asked myself, “What did I have to offer?” Fortunately, I met two very good coaches; they gave me a lot of chances to play. What I learned first was team spirit. On the team, I don’t have struggle by myself; I have my dear teammates. When we played in-field we always tried our best to do it, but we also needed some communication with out-field. We need to encourage each other and to train our mutual aid and cooperation spirit during the game. Studying in China, we only need to study by ourselves. On the contrast, we need to study in groups in America; this helps me to know how to cooperate with other people no matter in academics or society. This precious experience guided me to do better not only during the match or study, but even in life.

        A few years ago, I went bowling with my friends. After a while, I started feeling sad because I thought I cannot do a good job. My friend comforted me and helped me to calm down. She told me it was just a game, and the reason why we were here was to have fun. Jokingly, they said they would punch my face if I still felt upset. Actually, I knew they wouldn’t, they just wanted to tease me happy. This remained me to always try to improve myself that I will have enough competitiveness with others so that I won’t be easy to obsolete from the society.

       Whether in sport, academics or life, I know I might not always be successful, but I still always do my best. My mother always tells me, cooperation with other people is very important in society. I appreciate what my grandfather said to me, and I believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well, where there is a will, there is a way.