Rachael 11 years

by Rachael Ekeroth
(Escondido, CA, USA)

Words That Give Hope

"I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being." Jackie Robinson

Holding my breath, I tried to keep these words in mind as I looked around at all the people standing in groups and moving around the large soccer field at my school. Coming to this new school was a big change from the small town where I had mostly played soccer with my brother in my tiny backyard. My old school was a second home to me; I grew up playing on the big dirt field and was so excited whenever I learned a new trick with the black and white ball. And everybody there was a friend. But I knew nothing about this place and knew no one who attended here. I was out of my league, but learning from Jackie Robinson I knew that I didn’t need to focus on what others were thinking of me.

1) Find a sport you love
2) Join a soccer team
3) Work together with your team

At first looking ahead it seemed like a big and scary thing to go to a new school. Before the thought never crossed my mind that I might have to leave the comfort of my old neighborhood and become active in a new school. But now that I’ve been through that situation it wasn’t all that bad. Because I persevered now I have lots of new friends and teammates. As long as I act with determination and work together with my teammates, I know that no new situation will be too difficult to overcome. And I have the words of Jackie Robinson to thank for that.