The great football legend Vince Lombardi once said, “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
Well, I hate to break it to you, Vince, but as a 20 year old woman I can see my “finest hour” in the exact same way. However, my “finest hour” isn’t just after a victory, but throughout the life long game.
How is this? It all began at kick-off, the very dawn of my existence. I was considered a novice among the experts. Before storming the field, I needed to learn the fundamentals of the complex game. I learned that a smile could bring about happiness. I learned that a soothing sound could bring about peace. I learned that gentle caresses are a sign of love. I learned what the meaning of life truly is.
Though still an amateur to the game, my coach decided that it was time for me to step it up to the big leagues and take the field as quarterback. I sprinted onto the field with courage and initiative, knowing that I was prepared enough for the difficulties that lay ahead. It was first and ten on my own twenty-yard line and I completed a fifteen-yard pass to Trust.
Trust has taught me the consequences of not listening to my parents when they exclaimed, “Don’t touch the burning hot stove!” Trust has taught me not to give up on my dream of becoming Brady Quinn’s wife. I also learned from Trust to be a good and faithful friend, who would always be there when needed. But most importantly, I learned from Trust to open up myself to others in order for them to let down their guard for me.
Fully developed from an amateur to an average player, I moved to the first and ten marker on my own thirty-five yard line. Impressions had been made and expectations needed to be met. My nerves began to build and tensions throughout the stadium began to rise. Flustered, I got sacked for ten-yards by Despair.
Despair has shown me the agonizing pain of losing my grandpa at age eight. Despair has shown me the gut-renching feeling when someone who I love and care deeply about hurts me. However, Despair has taught me perseverance through the struggles and anguish. I learned from Despair that rock bottom isn’t the place for me. I learned empowering strength and forgiveness, that when I get knocked down to get right back up.
It was now second and twenty on my own twenty-five yard line. It seemed as though I was back to where I began, but I shook off the bitter hit and continued on. With a bolt of energy and total confidence, I completed a sixty-yard completion to Joy.
Joy has taught me that when life throws a curve ball to hit it out of the park. Joy has taught me to appreciate my loving family, wonderful friends, and the beauty of nature that surrounds me. I learned from Joy to be myself, to not let others shape me into someone I don’t want to be. I learned from Joy how to live the life I want to live.
I moved up in the rankings to an advanced player. I knew what it would take to be great player and how easily mistakes could be made. I shuffled down the field to the first and ten marker on the defenses’ fifteen-yard line. My heart began to beat rapidly. The ball was immediately snapped. I looked down the field to find Love wide open in the end zone. With all my might, I threw Love the football.
Love has taught me to express my crazy ideas and creative thoughts, while at the same time not care about what others will think of me. I learned from Love about kindness and compassion when a homeless man thanked me for serving him a meal at a nearby homeless shelter. Love has taught me forgiveness, and to have the utmost respect for others whether “on the field” or not. I learned from Love to live my life to the absolute fullest with no regrets.
“TOUCHDOWN!” The announcer shouted. I felt the excitement rush through my veins. This touchdown led me to a major goal in my life: to become the greatest college football journalist. I lay exhausted on the battlefield, though not yet victorious, having one of my dreams fulfilled. I got up and run back to the sidelines, where my teammates and coaching staff congratulated me with open arms. To this day, I feel proud of this accomplishment and now have a sense of what I can achieve in my future.
With many more minutes still left in the game, I eagerly look forward to the challenges and successes that lie ahead.
Who knows? Another touchdown could be just seconds away.
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