Being More Than>

I was blessed with an opportunity to attend the National Student Leadership Conference on Journalism, Film, & Media Arts a few weeks ago and I can still feel the excitement. It was a 10-day campus stay at American University in Washington DC where I learned a lot about sports writing/broadcasting (the specific class I took), the amazing world of the communications field, different kids who are just like me, and surprisingly, myself. My mind set prior to the actual start day (June 15th, a day I longed for so desperately) was very optimistic. I didn't expect much more than a great time. The only thing I thought to specifically expect was freedom. A leash that wasn't held so tight. To be completely honest, I was just overly excited to leave home for a while. I love being me but sometimes "me" isn't always allowed under certain circumstances here in hometown Vidalia. There's a status quo and no there isn't a big lunch room musical number screaming at students to follow it. There are still air-quoted rules that are to be followed. Athletes typically hang with athletes and within that specific sport. Band members with band members. Gothic kids lurk together. Weave heads stay close and fuss just the same. There are groups, cliques, and squads that naturally formulate in high school and as much as administration preaches to include everyone, there are levels of power. Here in Vidalia, if you wear a jersey for the right sport, you've got power. I've been in that category for most of my school career. My only set back is that I play 'girls' basketball and not 'boys'. A lot less hype but whatever. The fact still stands that most people couldn't care less about a student if they aren't sweating in uniform with Vidalia stitched across it. And even more so if they're losing.

 I see myself as valuable to this school. I really feel like I make/can make a difference here. But does it matter that the differences made aren't on the basketball court? Gee, I hope so. While in DC  I was received very well by my fellow Commies (just now realizing that that term is used to label Communist. Yikes!). We all bonded quickly and I'm in contact with many of them to this day. I now have unforgettable memories that I'll cherish forever. But the experience I value far more than any other was the reception of my talents. The kids I stayed with for 2 weeks couldn't care less that I was a skilled athlete and future college basketball player. What mattered to them about me was my heart, compassion, adventurous nature, and, personal favorite, artistic talents. They loved that I could sing. They admired my dancing skills which not many people know I can do. They were amazed at my song writing ability. They enjoyed my sense of humor. They respected my knowledge and leadership vision. My overall presence was welcomed and I left that program feeling way more accomplished than I had ever felt in a basketball uniform. I love being an athlete. I've been blessed with the ability to do great things on the court. But for once I'd love to acknowledged for all the other things I'm good at. I want to matter even when I'm not scoring 2 points. The NSLC program really opened my eyes and gave me the confidence to showcase my talents without fear of rejection. I'm always going to be an athlete but now I'm positive that I am more than just that.