To My Readers

I have been a soccer fan ever since I was adopted in 2007. My love and passion for the sport came primarily from my father who is a fanatic when it comes to the sport. When I say fanatic, I do not mean that he just watches the games and roots for his team, what I mean is that he becomes so focused on the game that nothing else matters but the game. He once told me one of his favorite quotes; “soccer is not a matter of life and death; it is more than that.”

So naturally, like any boy who grows up with a dad who’s a sports fan, I picked up soccer and played it as soon as I could. I quickly realized how soccer is actually more than just the game. I realized that you don’t only learn to play to win, but you learn many life lessons as well. I have learned how to make friends whom I do not see at school, nor do I share many similarities with them (except for soccer that is), I learned how to be a team player, the benefits of being a team player, as well as when to be selfish and take chances in order to benefit the team. I learned how to take risks in a strategic way, I learned how to not be narrow minded and open my eyes to things that are outside my eyesight. But most importantly I learned two key things; that hard work will pay off, either in the short term or the long term, and you can’t get anywhere in the game without a full squad to play the game, that includes the starting 11 and the substitutes on the bench.

I have taken these things that I have learned form a game and turned them into ways that can help me succeed in life. I have learned to take chances by either meeting new people or asking for help when needed. I have been open minded and open to new ideas for anyone, because in my opinion creativity can lead to many great things. I have used my hard work and dedication to continue on even when times are tough in order to succeed. And most importantly I have expanded the group of people that I know because just like in soccer where you can’t play the sport with out the proper amount of people, you won’t go far in life with out the help of others. This is a belief that I have held onto for the longest time as it has helped me in many ways throughout my short life thus far.

I hope you enjoy the presentation and learn something new.

               Dennis Roedlich