Player Spotlight: Jackson

People step into the realm of sports for distinct reasons, and the value that sports hold for them change accordingly. Some start for the joy of spending time with their friends, some by the suggestion of their parents, and some in the hopes of recreating themselves. Regardless of the reason, it is clear that sports eventually take root deeply in one’s heart. 

Sports, specifically fencing, matured me as a person. It all began when I followed my friends to a fencing club’s summer camp. At first, I fenced merely for friendship. But with constant training, I got better and started seeing results. For the first time in my life, I gained a sense of true confidence: the realization that I could dedicate myself and achieve my goals. In the beginning, I also struggled to accept defeat. I often cried after practice matches. It was after years of losing that I realized that loss is only temporary and that it is what we do after the defeat  that’s actually important. I learned so much from fencing: how to push myself to the limit, how to treat others, how to relax myself, and more. Fencing made me who I am today. 

Personally I faced multiple injuries from fencing. Each and every one of them entailed days and weeks worth of rest, bringing down athleticism and skill. Time and perseverance was the key to being back on track. Outside of fencing, I saw others struggle because of their parents’ disapproval or from the lack of a mentor. 

Looking back, sports have conferred me the characteristics of who I am now. Although now that I’ve distanced myself from sports to pursue a different path, I still wish to keep them as an essential part of my life.