"No one believed in us"

 It all began freshman year when I decided to go out for my schools cross country team. It was the first practice and I was very tired and realized I wasn't the fastest. As the season went on I noticed I wasn't as fast as the other boys although I was the 5th fastest meaning my time mattered during the league meets. I never had confidence because I was running 19 minute 3 miles where as my teammates were in the 17 & 18 minute range therefore I felt as if I was holding them back. Although throughout league we kept getting 2nd place because I kept hitting 19 minutes. Our coach didn't even believe we could pull it out of us and get 1st place in league. No one believed in us. Our school isn't known for the cross country team being good therefore the other schools thought they wouldn't have competition. Keep in mind it's a big deal that the whole season we remained in 2nd place because that isn't usual for our schools cross country team. Fortunately enough, league finals came and us freshman boys were able to prove everyone wrong and claim first place which was impressive because we were competing with a school whom has winning streaks in league. But no, we were able to break that streak and take 1st in league. That was the first time I felt confident in myself as a runner. Fast forward to the next cross country season as a sophomore I was put into varsity and ended up being one of the top ones on the team. Fast forward to this upcoming season I am now the varsity team captain and am looking forward to giving it my all knowing that my junior year will be one for the books. Although I wouldn't be where I am today if I never continued to push myself my freshman year when I thought I couldn't and made the sacrifices I have made in order to be where I am today. I can honestly say I am glad that I was revived from having no confidence to being confident and leading my teammates. 

- Anonymous