Paradoxical experiences

Two of my favorite school sports are cross country and soccer. I enjoy competing in races and games. On the other hand, I hate training. Whenever I am at practice, I find myself complaining. I always feel like quitting. This situation is paradoxical because I love and hate the sport. Another paradoxical situation is when I have to prepare for a test. I hate studying. I reassure myself that once the test is over, I will feel great. If I could get this one test over with, my life would be so much better. However, after I finish my test, I usually don’t feel so great. I am usually worrying about my grade and wishing that I had studied more. During the school week, I measure my life through my work and how close the day is to Friday. My daily life feels complete once my classes are over and my homework is done. My life gets better as the days get closer to Friday.

ICON

No country in the world is as enthusiastic about football as the United States. NFL football is one of the most popular sports in America. Football games are special events for a variety of people. At high schools and colleges, football games are places where people can socialize and have a good time. Adults also love watching football games while drinking a couple of beers. America goes crazy during the football playoffs and especially the Super Bowl. Game tickets are sold out in an instant. Football games are ways to express rivalries between groups. Schools use football games as an opportunity to demonstrate school spirit. Everyone is pumped up and ready for their team to finish at the top. I think NFL football is an American icon that will continue to impact people’s social and sport lives.

"Champions aren't made in gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them - a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill." - Muhammad Ali

I chose this quote because I am an athlete who is always trying to improve. I play many sports such as cross country and soccer. I have never been the best on the team, but that doesn't stop me from trying my hardest. I've learned not to focus on how well other people do, but to pay attention on how I can get better.

“When you´re small, you can choose which way to grow. If you´re kind and decent, you grow into a kind and decent man." - Nancy Farmer The House of the Scorpion

I chose this passage because my future lies in the hands of myself. I am an independent person and I prefer making my own decisions.

Help me.