By: David Yang
Eighth grade is a critical time for self-development as students learn new things and acquire new skills. At my school, volleyball holds great importance, and the volleyball competition at the end of the semester pushed my class to undergo rigorous training. I was determined to become a part of the boys’ volleyball team, and this journey taught me valuable lessons about what I could achieve.
My initial contact with a volleyball revealed my limited abilities compared to some classmates. While they effortlessly passed the ball back and forth, I wasn’t discouraged. Instead, I poured every ounce of effort into practice. Thankfully, a friend of mine was willing to train and guide me during every class. My friends and I would stand in a circle and not allow the ball to touch the ground while passing it. After months of dedication, it became apparent that the boys’ volleyball team needed an additional member. I continuously tried to earn their trust and communicate with them, finally succeeding in being accepted into the team. Though I wasn’t as skilled as my teammates, I felt immense pride and honor to be part of the group.
The experience taught me that everyone is unique in their own way, and while there will always be someone better than us, hard work can compensate for talent and ability. I realized the power of pushing myself to try new things, knowing that sufficient effort would yield significant results. Competing alongside skillful players seemed like an unattainable dream, but through determination and training, I achieved it.
Personal development is a gradual process that requires understanding and effort. It involves facing challenges and obstacles that lead us to discover different aspects of ourselves. Just like learning volleyball, developing new habits takes time and dedication. However, the rewards are worth it, as mastering oneself brings true power and wisdom, as Lao Tzu wisely said, “Knowing others is intelligence. Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.”