Addie Nash

A certain thing that has shaped myself into the person I am today would be gymnastics. Ever since I could remember I was flipping in my house and begging my mom to be in the gym. Many qualities were developed through the sport, which I am very thankful for. The traits I have gained from pursuing gymnastics for 11 years of my life have changed me for the better, as many important life lessons were learned throughout that time.

Gymnastics is very harsh on the body and mind. Girls can become quite competitive or can even have a complete breakdown when skills and events become challenging. Because I did competitive gymnastics from 2nd to 12th grade, the qualities of patience and perseverance were gained. To this day I believe both of those traits have assisted me in certain decisions and choices throughout my life. Because gymnastics is so tedious and challenging, you learn to be patient. With patience comes success. This mindset has helped me in various scenarios, as being patient is very crucial in thriving. In addition, with patience comes perseverance. Throughout the sport I was taught to never give up. Hard work pays off in the end no matter how long it takes. When I would attempt to complete a bar skill for example, and fall multiple times, I would not be in constant distress. I was taught to continue and fix corrections to successfully do the skill. With that being said, the sport has taught me to become and stay tough even during hardships. Whether it is a skill on the bars or making a certain score on a test, I have been taught to stay determined. I have learned there will always be a finish line if hard work is exerted. Also, I have learned that the hard work, even when it seems so impossible, always becomes worth it in the end.

Therefore, gymnastics has affected me in the most positive way due to the wisdom learned throughout the years. It has fully developed me into the person I am today, as qualities of patience and perseverance were obtained. Even through the mental and physical difficulties, the most amazing life lessons were attained. Most importantly I was taught to never give up, as defeat was only possible when the infinite chances were not taken out of fear. The feeling of accomplishment has been the most rewarding emotion, and I can proudly say that my success in undergoing certain accomplishments is all due to gymnastics itself through the qualities I gained as a whole.