Persistence is Key
It felt as though a rock was blocking my windpipe. I gasped for air as the sweltering summer afternoon showed us its wrath. It was so hot that you could fry an egg on the concrete. “I can’t play anymore,” my cousin blurted out, as he stood hunched over in the deserted Cedar Grove Playground. My cousin had brought me to the park to play basketball, and although he was much older than me, I had told him I wouldn’t leave until I beat him. After my fourth straight loss, I considered giving in, but decided to play one more. He snickered and told me that we were going to make it a short one. In the fifth game I played with gusto, and I made the right decisions, leading myself to victory. Although I won, I wasn’t satisfied because I felt that he let me win; I’d rather have lost, than have him hand me a win.
A couple of years later, as I sat outside of the conference room, waiting to be called to make a pitch for the creation of the Socioeconomic Sports Club, I kept thinking of the games against my cousin. To a certain degree it was like a déjà vu experience. I had failed several times in achieving the desired result in both situations. This was going to be my third pitch to the student government and faculty members, regarding the creation of the Socioeconomic Sports Club. As I walked into the conference room, I remembered that just last month, a mere two people out of this same group were in support for the foundation of my proposed club. “Why even bother to present, they’re going to reject it anyways?” I thought to myself. Thoughts like this raced uncontrollably in my head, but I maintained my composure and presented.
In my presentation, I covered all the concerns that the skeptics had previously brought up, such as having an educational purpose to the club. I had created a vibrant and informative PowerPoint relating the impact of steroids on Major League Baseball, covering aspects such as inflated statistics, game attendance, and impact on revenue. After the presentation, I surveyed the room, and I felt an aura of satisfaction amongst the judges. My proposed club was passed on a close eight to seven vote.
“ I just wanted to let you know that I admire your persistence, and that is a reason why I’m voting for the formation of this Sports Club,” said the principal, Mr. Bonamo as I was leaving.
I was happy that the club had been approved, but my satisfaction vanished, as I felt that the only reason he passed my club was because of the fact that I was showing up every month for the meetings. Later that day I called my cousin to tell him about what the principal had said. He quickly downplayed my belief, saying that it wasn’t the case.
“Today made me feel like the time you let me beat you in basketball” I told my cousin. “ I mean, I achieved my goal, but I feel as if it was handed to me.”
“What?!” he hollered over the phone. “I would never let you win. You won fair and square. Just because you are persistent, doesn’t mean people give in to you. Your persistence is serving you well; in basketball you played smarter and smarter each game until you beat me, and I’m sure you did the same with each presentation. Have some confidence in your abilities, because there is no way someone will give in to you. Your effort will improve your capabilities.”
Ever since that conversation, I’ve become more confident in my persistent nature, because I know it will help me improve in every facet, including sports and education. While serving as president of this club, I became a better leader, and also became a better organizer. Also through the club, I’ve discovered that due to my passion and extensive knowledge of sports, and the business that surrounds it, my ultimate career goal is to indulge in the sports business world. One day I hope to be a general manager of a professional sports franchise, and I know that if I remain determined, and believe in my abilities and effort, one day I might just be known as a GM.
