Varsity Football With Asthma

I recently came across my college admissions essay, and realized it might fit into some space here on the Legs Mis site. Perhaps kick off a campaign for asthma, and for pulmonary conditions in general.  Anyways, it is so easy to share on this website, I decided to go ahead and post it as is, unedited.

Disclaimer: I wrote this when I was 18, which feels like ages ago (I know, I know, I'm still a young'in). But in terms of writing ability, maturity, etc., I was very young when I wrote this.

I looked up towards the scoreboard as the clock counted down the last few seconds of my last football game. Tears ran steadily down my face. All the work I had done during the past six years culminated in my thoughts as those last few seconds passed by. As I stood there looking at the scoreboard, I realized everything I had learned from working so hard and overcoming adversity. This adversity I speak of is a severe case of chronic asthma that was bestowed to me as a child. As the clock on the scoreboard hit zero, it became clear to me that I had learned a great deal about myself by having asthma and working through the weaknesses brought with it. I discovered my desire to be the best at everything I am a part of, and that I had the perseverance to move through the adversity I stumbled upon in the process. Asthma and football had also helped me to develop strong work ethics and to grow into a responsible, independent adult.

When the clock read zero, I knew two things were certain at that moment: playing football was over for me, and the disciplines I learned from it and the way it taught me to approach life would remain within me for years to come. From the beginning, I made it my goal to conquer asthma and excel at athletics during my years at Westwood High School, a goal I was successful in achieving. I was so motivated that I would push myself to the limit, sometimes finishing the after-practice wind sprints barely able to breathe. However much asthma inhibited my capability to play, I never gave up on myself even though people were always telling me I couldn’t do it. Sometimes I would have to rest for a couple of plays or sit out during a drill, but I always came back just as strong as before and with the same burning desire to be the greatest. Trying to surmount asthma had created in me a level of desire and perseverance that would not have been attainable without the adversity I had gone through.

One thing I had to do in order to prevail over asthma was to work as efficiently as possible during all workouts, providing for minimal aggravation of my asthmatic condition. This in turn ingrained in me the value of unwavering commitment to a goal, a value that carried into every aspect of my life, thus allowing me to be successful in the work place as well as in the classroom. At the same time, I also learned to be independent and responsible in managing my own life. Playing football while dealing with asthma was not an easy task. I had to know exactly how much more I could do before collapsing, and at that point have the courage to tell my teammates and coach that I needed a break to use my inhaler (pressure at the varsity level is unrelenting). In this I was forced to learn how to take care of myself and to be responsible for my own life despite pressure I may feel from my peers. This independence and responsibility has expanded into my whole life, whether it is merely doing my homework without being reminded to or something such as never being late to work. I also handle almost all of my own affairs without the assistance of my parents, including managing my own bank account and holding on to a steady job. Even though these things seem trivial, I believe small things can make big differences, and having to overcome the limitations of asthma during athletics has proven this by turning me into a very responsible, independent adult.

Now as I reminisce about that chilly night in November when I played the last football game of my life, I realize that there is a similarity with the present. A major part of me has come to an end, but the lessons and knowledge I have gained from it will make me successful in the future. The perseverance and desire I discovered playing football are not going to dissipate or wither, I will continue to carry these qualities with me for the rest of my life. Ultimately, the development of strong work ethics, along with a fierce sense of independence and responsibility, assures me a successful college career.