Taekwondo and I By Sarah Schriefer When I was little, I couldn't tie my shoe laces like other kids and I felt very ashamed. I made noises and got in trouble because I could not stay still no matter how hard I tried. I couldn't remember the rules and didn't understand some of the things my teachers were talking about. A lot of the time I couldn't remember the words that I wanted to say. I was frustrated most of the time and I realized that I was a different. Some people made fun of my seizure disorder and it made me mad and I would scream and tear up things. When I got frustrated I would bite, scream and break things. I didn't know why I did those things and I was sad and angry with myself. In the second grade, I started at a new school for special kids like me, and that helped a lot. I still had a lot of problems trying to learn how to read. I did not want to look stupid and was afraid to try anything hard. I had dyslexia and it was frustrating to read and write. I also couldn't pronounce words very well and couldn't remember things that people told me sometimes. I would get overwhelmed and refuse to do my work. I would rip up my paper and say I cannot do this! In fourth grade, I started taekwondo classes. At first, I was nervous. I was afraid that people would make fun of my disability and that I sometimes did not understand what people said. I was embarrassed that I could not follow the moves. Master Lee made a point to make me laugh and always gave me a hug. He encouraged me and took time to tell me something positive. Master Lee made it fun so I was not scared and forgot about being embarrassed. No one made fun of me and everyone worked together to help each other. It didn't matter how old, small or smart each person was. We were learning together. I loved feeling a part of a team. I started to forget about worrying and couldn't wait for class each week. After class, I found my extra energy and frustration worked off and I could relax and be calm. I liked that I could focus better and could sleep better. The masters were very kind and took it step by step. It did not matter if I made mistakes; they always encouraged me and made me feel good for doing my best. After coming to class for a few months, Master Lee said "Sarah some day you will be a black belt" and I was amazed that he would say that to me. I didn't really believe him and I thought he was just being nice. Each time I made it through to my next belt test, Master Lee would again tell me that I would be a black belt and slowly I began to believe him. Master Lee and Master K always asked me how I was doing at school and encouraged me to do my best. In order to take belt tests, I had to bring in good reports from my teacher and that made me try harder at school. My Mom reminded me that I got my new belts by taking things one step at a time and told me to do the same thing at school. When I started to take things at school step by step, I could do my work better. Instead of being afraid, I remembered what Master Lee taught me: to never give up and always do my best. Training for my black belt test was very hard. I got very tired and wasn't sure I would be able to keep up. Master Lee encouraged me and told me not to give up when I was struggling. He made me push myself and I am so glad, because today I am proud to say I am a black belt, just like he said I would be. Becoming a black belt has made me realize that I can accomplish anything if I work hard and keep trying. Reading and writing class was very hard for me but now it is my favorite subject. When I stopped being afraid, I found out that I could do more than I thought, just like at Taekwondo. I learned that I can focus and that I can persevere as long as have confidence in myself. I also discovered that I love to read. Now, I save up my allowance each week so I can buy new books. Science class was also hard for me. I did not give up and started to learn and understand and ended up really enjoying class. I even won the middle school science fair last year. Taekwondo also gave me the courage and confidence to try other new activities. I am on the volleyball team at school. Before taekwondo, I would not have had the confidence to try out. At first, I wanted to quit, but then I remembered how hard it was when I first started taekwondo and kept trying. Today I still love taking taekwondo classes, but also love playing on the volleyball team and the basketball team at my school. I also have been in every drama production and last year was selected for the lead role in the school musical and that was so much fun. If I had not learned to believe in myself and to develop perseverance and to take things one step at a time, I would have never tried these new things. My life is full of possibilities now. Yesterday, I was asked to write down for school what I thought my best talents were. I wrote out in capital letters: I NEVER GIVE UP! This is what taekwondo and Master Lee taught me and this is now a part of me forever. |
