“A GOAL BEYOND GOALS” BY ESPINA NYLE BRYANT C.

" A Goal Beyond Goals"

Joining the football varsity team was never something I expected to happen. At first, I just wanted to play for fun or to prove to myself and others that I could do it, but looking back, being part of the team changed the way I see myself and my life. It wasn’t just about training and playing games. It became something deeper. When I found out I made the team, I felt proud, anxious, happy, and excited. I felt like I finally belonged somewhere, like I had a purpose. But being on the team also came with challenges. Training was hard; I had to sacrifice my free time, stay up late to finish schoolwork, and keep pushing myself even when I was tired. Still, I felt more alive and more focused. I started becoming more disciplined and more responsible, not just in sports but in school and even at home. I realized that football was not just a physical game. It was something that helped me grow inside. I was learning patience, teamwork, and how to handle both winning and losing.

I started to see that I’m not just a body or a mind. I can think, feel, and choose what kind of person I want to be. I also learned how to care more about others, like my teammates who push me to do better. Recently, I got injured and the doctor said I can’t practice for three weeks. At first, I felt frustrated, like I was being left behind. I wanted to train and play, but I was forced to rest. That moment really tested my mindset. But instead of just feeling bad, I started to think about what this break could teach me. I realized I needed to slow down and reflect. The injury reminded me that it’s not always about being active or doing something all the time. 

Sometimes, growth happens when we are still. It taught me to be more patient with myself and to trust that healing is also part of the journey. At first, I only saw things emotionally. I was focused on my fear, stress, and what others would think if I wasn’t showing up. But when I took time to think about the bigger picture; my goals, my growth, my relationships, the lessons I was learning, and I saw it differently. I understood that this experience is not just about football. It’s about life. Seeing things in a fuller way helped me understand myself better and appreciate what I have. 

I realized that having both a small view and a big view of a situation can teach us more than we expect. Now I realize that being on the team is not just about winning games. It’s about becoming stronger, wiser, and more aware of who I am and who I want to be. That is what having a deeper and more meaningful view of life means to me.