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America & Me Essay Contest
I used to be afraid of my reflection, because I was worried that the timid athlete staring back at me would not be able to live up to the expectations of others. Everyone who saw my swimming records told me I was incredible. They couldn't possibly see the hours of work I put into my collegiate dream. That was incredible. It was not until I underwent a strenuous surgery that I began to question my ability. I felt like I lost myself in the operating room. I had doubt I would ever make a comeback, but one coach had no doubt. One coach, who had battled through a surgery of his own, taught me to never look back and to never give up. Coach Ben's perseverance and integrity astound me. When I first met Ben, he seemed very stern, but when I got to know him better, I realized that he just wanted to help us succeed. Ben swan for Alma College, and was captain two years. He always has a positive attitude, even though his disability forced him to work harder than the other swimmers. When I'm lacking courage, Ben always tells me he believes in me. Every practice he's there cheering me on and encouraging me to live beyond what I'm capable of. He sets an example for all of us, and is always there for his team in times of need. Before meets, Ben yells out the window of his old beat-up truck "Gear it up tonight!" He has a zest for living, and wants us to love the sport more than anything. Coach Ben is the person I try to emulate, but not because of his athleticism. Ben earned my respect, because he proved that heroes don't just exist in storybooks. Ordinary people who encourage, praise, push, and believe in the ones they love, are heroes, too. Ben is the best coach I've ever had, because he inspires me, is a huge mentor, and is helping me pursue a dream I used to think impossible. The dream he lived. Ben quotes Napoleon Bonaparte. "Impossible is a word to be found only in the dictionary of fools." Now, after a long journey I will remember my whole life, I believe him. I experienced an athlete-coach relationship like no other, but I learned more than how to win a few races. Ben battled through the wedge placed into his leg, and proved that the screws holding my bones together are insignificant. His message to all of us is that anything is possible, even with a major disability. During a hard time in my life, one coach flew to my rescue and helped me find my joy. I made a comeback. Now, my scars only remind me of my bravery to exceed expectations. I don't look at my reflection with fear. I know the champion staring back, and am proud of her to have accomplished the unimaginable…all because of one ordinary hero.
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