Thankful for Upperclassmen

December 10, 2013

I know Thanksgiving was weeks ago, but after today, I really really needed to thank the upperclassmen.

Upperclassmen are intimidating. They are tall, older, and so much more experienced. During the past summer, my friends and I always talked about what the upperclassmen were going to be like.

Now that I am finally a freshman, I have had more insight in the upperclassmen. A common stereotype of upperclassmen is that they like to mess around tease the underclassmen. This is wrong in so many ways. SO WRONG. I love the upperclassmen. I actually could not function without them. Honestly, they are so nice and so understanding.

Today at track practice, something that an upperclassmen did made my day. My event is the shot put, and although I am not bad, I need to work on my technique to improve. The Coach always gives me tips and headers, but I always seem to forget to make the corrections. The Coach told one of the older shot putters to help me. She was so nice, kind and understanding. She was a strict instructor, but in a good way. With her guidance I felt like I improved greatly. When I was discouraged, she was always reassuring and supportive. Even though she did not volunteer to help me, she was just so nice, helpful, and informative. Also, the fact that I was the only underclassman who received special coaching from an upperclassmen made me feel special. I am humble, and I don’t want to be boastful, but she told me the reason why was because the coach thinks I have the potential to become a great shot putter. I was so inspired and happy! It made my day!

I am also super thankful for the upperclassmen on my school swim team. They are awesome. For us, our team has morning practices, which means waking up at 4:45 a.m. The amazing seniors organize and drive carpools every morning to and from practice. I am grateful for them to sacrifice their sleep. I am especially grateful for my carpool driver. She was the nicest and funniest swim captain! Plus, her parents are divorced. She always visits her dad in another town, so she always has to wake up extra early certain days just to drive us. I cannot express my immense gratitude to the amazing seniors.

Upperclassmen are great, friendly, and kind. If you are one, stay awesome!