There’s a time of the year when academic achievers don’t get the limelight – Intramurals. While there are a few who excelled in both sports and studies, most of those who really shine are those dimmed as the misfits and misbehaves in the classroom. And even if performance in sports is not given much credit, the lessons learned outside the four-walls of the classroom are as equally important in surviving the realities of life.
First, you’ll learn to take risks. As a beginner, you are uncertain whether to hit the ball or not. In your point of view it’s a ball, but in the umpire’s perspective it’s a strike. And as the number of balls and strikes increases, you’ll begin to feel pressured – by your coach, by your team, by yourself, and the raging crowd. But you have to learn to make your own decision and face the consequences. It’s a single leap of faith and in that limited number of seconds, at least you’ve done something for yourself. Sometimes, it’s a hit; other times, it’s a miss. The important thing there is you learn to stand by your decisions and embrace them. Though it’s easier to point fingers and wash hands, claiming what is rightfully yours (even the not so good ones) is essential. And this, my friend, is what you call as integrity.
Second, you’ll learn why it’s called a game. Every game requires a winner and a loser – you can’t be both. Of course, everybody wants to win; but I tell you, the real victors are those who enjoyed the game despite the results. Believe me, temper brings you nowhere.
Third, you’ll learn to respect authority. Life is mostly unfair. There are decisions that are not yours for the making. You can’t always get what you want no matter how much you pray for it. Maybe somebody else needed it more than you do. Yes, it’s okay to ask and clarify things; but there are instances when all you have to do is to respect the decisions given most especially if it’s for the common good.
Fourth, you’ll learn that everything is easier said than done. Remember those times when you’re watching NBA or any games and you began screaming because the player is ‘not’ playing well? Then you get frustrated and secretly hoped you could actually replace that person? HAHA. But believe me, no amount of screaming would get into the players head once the game starts. Everything becomes a blur and the only thing heard is the erratic beating of the heart.
Last, you’ll learn to pursue your real passion. Many are called but very few are actually chosen to become professional players who turn this passion into an income. Once the game is over, most would go back to the normal cadence of life. Nonetheless, I hope that you can imbibe the same spirit and determination in all the adversities that would come into your life. I hope that you practice integrity in whatever you do, learn to control your temper, and come up with decisions that would be beneficial for all. Field games may just be a chapter of your life, but no book is ever complete with a missing chapter. Life may have been different outside the playfield, but once a player, always a player.
Dakilanglaagan 