Blog #2: The Power of Friendship

On Saturday, the tennis team concluded the season with our annual banquet at Maggianos. Not only did we experience good appetizers, dinner, and desert, but the best company one could ever hope for. This love fest, filled with complementary speeches, season-long inside jokes, and cheesy laughs was the perfect end to a state championship season.

As an IB student I take many valuable lessons out of the team dynamic, especially the power of friendship. During tennis season I experience happiness unparallel to other times in my life. Internally, I ask the question “What about tennis season makes me so happy?” I do love playing tennis, but that has never brought about any newfound happiness. It must be the team, which in my three years have grown to love. One of the IB learning outcomes is “increasing an awareness of one’s own strengths and areas for growth”; the tennis team has taught me that friendship is not to be undervalued. After my high school experience is over, I think the positive emotional responses, not any test score or goal grade, will be what leaves a lasting impression on me. The stupid, funny moments, the relationships I formed with other student, will be the roots of my character growth which will help me achieve great things in post- high school life.

An interesting quote from a history article: “By the fruit the tree is to be known” – Abraham Lincoln

Intro Blog

UPDATE: This post was written 10/6/09


At the outset of my IB experience, my out of school time has been primarily devoted to the tennis team. I have been committed to the sport of tennis since my eighth birthday and have worked to become a successful tournament and school tennis player. When I earned my spot on the team in ninth grade team, I had very little experience with a team. I played baseball for a brief period during my lower school years, but had placed most of my athletic effort in the individual-sport of tennis. As I have matured into a two-year varsity player, I learned that being a member of a sports team involves more that simply participating in the athletic activity. On a daily basis, I interact with a variety of personality, each of which has helped me grow as a person. Now in my junior year, I have become a team leader whose responsibility is to watch out for my teammates and make sure that there experience as underclassmen is as enjoyable and filled with growth as my freshmen and sophomore year.

I also fill the role of disciplinarian, an unattractive position that has brought out my greatest weaknesses. I have a naturally calm disposition, which has frustrated my ability to “rip” into someone when they are goofing off in practice or being mean to another teammate. I feel uncomfortable balancing being a friend and a leader; I want to have fun just like everyone else, but I know that in the long run the team must be disciplined and work hard. In future, I cannot hesitate to be “mean” which often ends up just “being honest”. Everyone needs criticism to remain humble and stay focused on winning a state championship. As a senior next year, I need to make sure the team doesn’t get sidetracked and lose sight of the ultimate goal.

Our most recent tennis venture was a trip to Midland, Michigan (the “#1 tennis town in America”). I think bout personally and as a team, we were excited for the upcoming task of knocking of the top-ranked team in Division I (Ann Arbor Huron) and Division II (Midland Dow). Being the number one team in division three, we knew that this was our chance to earn the title of number one team in the entire state. With such tough competition, I was worried that our team would not bring the right intensity to match the completion. Often, our arrogance causes us to tank, leading to underachieving results.

I was pleasantly surprised with our team effort and we came out with the win. It is amazing what we can accomplish with a little effort and discipline. On another note, being the number one team in the state means so much, yet so little. While it is nice to get recognition in some local newspapers, our ultimate goal of a state championship has yet to be accomplished.