I wanted to have a writing sample for my teaching portfolio. I want your opinions too.Trae stared up in the room filled with wondering spectators as his coaches crouched down beside him. The walls seemed to spin around him making him dizzy and unsure. Slowly his breath returned and he felt his lungs gasp for air. His mother's voice, always supportive, could be heard in the background of Trae's trainer's concerned cries.
Wrestling wasn't always something important to Trae. He had the typical suburban childhood. Rides to and from school and eating out with friends and family were all daily occurrences for Trae. He didn't particularly care for his health and never seemed to worry. He ate what he wanted when he wanted without any attention directed to his nutrition. Exercise was unheard of for Trae. There was an occasional, "I'm fat" moment where a couple of push ups were necessary but never any longevity to his physical activity.Trae realized on his own his lifestyle needed to be changed. "Beating up" his uncles, losing his extra weight, get a few girls...before those things seemed like a distant fantasy. Now, he knew it was necessary for a big change.
Standing on the sides Trae waited for the ok to get started. It was his second match of the day and he felt confident wrestling the high school "broomfield". They shook hand and began to grapple. Trae's opponent took him down right from the start and they started to struggle. Trae hit an escape out of bounds and was able to stand facing his challenger. The last thing Trae remembered was shooting for the adversary's legs. They both shot at the same time, leaving Trae knocked out cold and unconscious on the mat.
Once awake, Trae made it to the sidelines, ready to vomit from the mild trauma. Expectantly, his trainer advised him to rush to an ambulance for an evaluation. He was wheeled out by EMTs and given immediate medical attention. The ambulance ride was treacherous after receiving an IV only to have his blood splurged all over his arm. X-rays and MRIs are standard procedures after an incident like this, and Trae remained cooperative for these processes in the hospital. The morphine kicked in and Trae felt his mild concussion quickly dissipate. Luckily, Trae was ok and able to make a full recover with a few days.
Wrestling was the sport that changed Trae's life. After trying out and making the team, he began practicing for three hours a day, six days a week. From the start, he wanted to quit. The high school seniors consistently gave Trae a hard time in the locker room-threatening him to "stop losing". The hours were growling but once he started to notice positive changes in his demeanor and his physical appearance, he knew things could only get better for him now.
He dropped 40 pounds his freshman year of wrestling. He began to eat smart, skipping out on sodas or fast food with his friends. The task of eating right can be difficult for anyone, let alone and adolescent young man.After being active during wrestling season, he decided he wanted to do more. He got involved in cross country, choir, glee club, writing club, and peer counseling for incoming freshmen. Trae was also able to incorporate himself into more religious activities as well, forming lasting friendships in the church choir. Workouts and exercise became a regular part of his day. His self esteem flourished, his attitude thrived, and his happiness swelled.
Looking back, Trae's life has made an impeccable transformation. He has no time for video games anymore. He loves to sing, exercise, date cute girls, and next year plans to be the varsity wrestling captain. He's happy now and he's inspired those around him to care about their health too.
I also spent two days at Disneyland/California Adventure with the girls. The second day we got to bring a friend's daughter and it was a blast.
Mike and Cherry also tied the knot. This wedding was one of the most incredible things I've ever witnessed. They make a beautiful couple. Skinny Mike :)
I miss my Utah friends. Thanks for following up with my blog. I get very lonely and wonder if this'll ever get easier.
