Personal Reflective Essay: The Bench

When I chose Psychology as my major, I was certain that I will be applying for graduate school in the future. The only problem was figuring out what psychology field I wanted to go into. While not knowing, I was still working to create a well-rounded resume by seeking experiences and develop new skills. That helped me a lot when I decided to go into Occupational Therapy as my graduate program. I felt like I was prepared mentally and that I had a good list of experiences under my belt. Nevertheless, the process of applying to graduate school is scary because of the fear of rejection. I need to stay positive and confident in myself knowing that I have done everything in my power to become a competitive applicant. Like everyone else, I have my

I went home full of excitement and quickly recounted to my mom the success I had that day at baseball. I went to bed that night with more confidence than I thought possible and looking forward to another day of baseball. Made my way through school that day visualizing my performance that afternoon for tryouts. With more excitement than nerve I began the second day of tryouts. Thursday we worked on throwing and catching skills, friday was batting. An area in which I struggled a little more than others but with confidence pouring out of me I stepped into the box. Even with the confidence boost working on my skill I struggled heavily and was not happy with my performance. So trying to keep my confidence up I tried to finish that day of tryouts but I could tell that the coaches were less pleased with my performance that day. There’s not a much faster way to be served a large slice of humble pie than to realize you may not be all that you once thought you were. So keeping that in mind I finished the day doing my best. When we gathered together to make final cuts I could feel my heart beating in

As soon as I made my very first varsity baseball appearance, I knew that I had to be the very best I could be or there was never going to be a chance of ever putting on that white and maroon crisp cleaned dri-fit Russel number 18 jersey. My heart was beating beyond faster than it should be at my first at bat because I had always heard “Just wait you haven't seen nothing yet, wait till you face them varsity pitchers.” Players older than me had constantly been saying that throughout my freshman season and it kept repeating over and over in my head like a broken record. Although I had studied the pitcher and had seen with my very own eyes, he wasn’t as good as everyone talked him up to be. I was still overawed and very nervous about messing up.

While I appreciated that one of my peers provided feedback on my work, I feel that the feedback that was provided did not fulfill the assignment. My peer did not provide detailed feedback on my paper that could be adequately incorporated in my review and revisions. Most of the information that was provided as feedback were simply statements that reiterated what the prompt question was. Please see the below feedback provided to me by my peer.

As it turns out I did just as good as the last game throwing another two hitter. Next was the district championship against our rival Canfield. Unfortunately due to arm soreness I wasn’t able to pitch this game, but it didn’t matter our team had numerous pitchers. Similar to the previous two playoff games we blew them out. The game only lasted five innings and we won twelve to two. The following week game our first game in the regional tournament and we were playing Tallmadge. Unlike the district tournament we had no idea what the teams were like here, but it didn’t matter we were able to win both regional games six to four and then nine to six. At this time or teams dream came true, we had made it to the state tournament where we would play Columbus Bishop Watterson. This was one of the most nerve racking things that I had ever gone through. Once again I was named the starting pitcher. For the first time all season we came into a game as the underdog. All week long we had to hear about how good the team we were playing was and how they were going to kill us. Although everyone on the team would say otherwise I believe that we let this talk get to

I remember the struggles I went through at the beginning of the season. I only had 4 hits in 10 games. I worked on my leg lift, my load, everything I could think of until something worked. Then, something clicked. I was reading a book on common problems hitters have and I realized I wasn’t seeing the ball. So, I went to the cage and just stood there for hours upon hours, observing baseball's go by, but not hitting them. Then, out of nowhere, I got two hits.

It was a very warm and tense place in the gymnasium of the Alpena High School. A group of freshman and sophomore baseball players were waiting for the words you wanted to hear which was “Congratulations” or the not so good news of “Sorry” from the coach deciding if you made the team. Personally, at the start of baseball tryouts I thought to myself it’s going to be a toss up to see if I would make the team having a 50/50 chance. I was nervous for the most part because there were an abundace of upperclassman also trying out for the team that were on it last year. There were twenty-seven people trying out for fifteen spots to play JV baseball.

I felt completely alone and high school baseball was my opportunity to establish myself among my new peers confident from my previous experiences. I arrived at my new high school's baseball tryouts looking forward to success unbeknownst to me. I was hopeful too I'm prepared compared to the skills of the 60 dedicated Texas athletes enjoy his

Each and every week I would head out to the baseball park, not because the experience would always leave me with joy, but because of the joy and satisfaction that the players had when they came and left the field. Many of the player’s parents told my fellow buddies and I, that the players would start counting down the days until the next Sunday, as soon as they’d get into the car! Throughout the entire Challenger season, I was reminded of how easy my life actually is, and how a how much I take for granted daily. With this program having such a great impact, I was dedicated to making sure that the player’s experience was the best possible. Which meant that I would often get there early, and help our Challenger division coordinator, to set up and makes sure that everything was ready for when the players came. My hard-work, and readiness to help out obviously were apparent to the coordinator, Jeff Sandes, as he came to me at the end of last year’s season to thank me for all the hard work, time and effort, I had put in to make sure that the players' experiences were the best

When my coach put me in the game I looked at him and said are you sure you want me to do this coach he said yes get out here and play and have a good time while you’re out there. I ran out to left field and I had that feeling like please don’t hit the ball to me but that didn’t happen the next pitch the ball came straight out to left field and I made this play that I was really proud of myself for it was a huge part of my life to be able to go out there and making plays and not letting my team down and having are team play like a teams it was just a great time.

We were not expected to be in this position after starting the season with two wins and six losses. With the bases loaded, I stepped into the batter’s box for my second at bat in the 2017 PA District 2 AAAA High School Championship game. Our opponent was stacked with three prospective Division 1 pitchers. I was nervous to say the least, but then my “moment” arrived. I saw my pitch, and launched a bases clearing triple that added to a lead that would eventually produce a victory for my team. We moved on through the playoffs, and eventually landed at Medlar field in State College, where we delivered our first baseball State Championship in school history.

As the first day started, butterflies filled everyone who stepped on the baseball diamond. The distinguished and admirable upper classmen smirked at the scrawny freshmen in disbelief of our abilities. I was not one to draw attention to myself, so I went about minding my own business trying not get noticed by the older boys. As the notorious head coach strutted onto the field, every single soul cowered at his presence. The coach then bellowed, “Let the tryouts begin. We will start with our hitting.”

My teammates and I were over-confident and had made some early mental errors. This allowed Cascade to earn three runs in the first inning, while we got none. In the huddle after inning one, our coach said, “Where’s the energy boys? You guys look flat out there!” In the next few innings, we found ways to pick up two runs, only while allowing Cascade another. It was a defensive battle, as neither team could get any runs. By the time we reached the sixth inning, the score was tied four to four. I started to get nervous, as I knew I would have a pivotal at-bat this inning. The first batter got on base with a walk. Our team, was very excited as he was the winning run. Our excitement instantly faded, as the next two batters struck out. This left me up with the last out. Our man on base had stolen to second, putting him in perfect scoring position. My teammates yelled from the dugout, “Let’s go Hinch! You got this big guy.” My coach said to me, “Alex, sit back and drive the ball. Make sure it’s a good pitch!” I could feel the pressure of the moment, but wanted to be the guy to get us the win. The at-bat started off slow as I got two strikes and two balls. On the fifth pitch, I got a ball right down the middle. I made a big swing at the ball and felt it come off my bat. Immediately, I started sprinting towards first and was signaled to go for second. The winning run had scored and our team went wild! We had won the game, and left Cascade with two victories. From this point on, I was much more confident. My teammates also felt a new sense of belief in me. The rest of the year was very enjoyable and left me with many new friendships! It was a summer I will always

This really showed my i had to change as a person with my work ethic and being a better teammate. From freshman year to senior year, i have changed in a very great way. I find myself staying after to help kids get looks from the coaches during open gyms and mentoring them because i was once in there shoes. I'll take the time to hit ground balls to them to show off their skills and hit fly balls to show how they can track a ball. But when we go inside and hit i'll be the only one in the cages throwing live to the guys that want a chance to hit. I am the type of person that will let others take the glory and shine because i know that i will get the satisfaction of seeing them grow into a better person as well from that. Being a part of a program that is all about he respect for one another has taught me some valuable life lessons. I wasn't much of the respect kind of person back when i started, in fact all i would do was care for myself and my own actions. But being my fourth year in the program it has taught me how to give respect and gain

Throughout my time on the bench I seemed to mature years. I recognized that there are more essential things than just playing time. Being part of a team was something I used to take for granted. But, it was now the driving force in my life. I created unbreakable bonds with the teammates around me. I felt a brotherhood that inspired me to reach my full potential, on and off the soccer field. Towards the end of the season my hard work had paid off. I became a regular substitute and was able to make significant contributions to the team. Although, I was satisfied with my accomplishments on the soccer field. I was more proud of what I had achieved while I was on the bench.