LO2 Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
I have always been very eager to try something new. I relish the process of developing new skills, because in those moments I make my own life more interesting and engaging. Table tennis was an activity that was on the top of my to-do or to-try list, so when I finally had the opportunity of joining the UWC activity I was thrilled and full of invigorating anticipation. Even though I was relieved that most of my peers were also only beginners, the interaction between us wasn’t as fluid at first, forcing me to step-out of my cloud of comfort and fully engage in the game. These steps, as well as many others across the CAS programme, contributed to making me a more socially open person.
I won’t lie, my first few practice games were a complete disaster. My reaction was slurred and my hand kept over-shooting/over throwing the ping pong ball. Yet, as I have learned from my previous experiences in Opera Singing, and in Rainforest Restoration – failure is the brother of success. This wasn’t a world championship or some grand final. Every game was just an opportunity to become better. Once again I realized, that if I move past the constant process of self-judgement, I will be able to gain more focus and enjoyment from what I do. Hence, failing became an experience that boosted my adrenaline and stimulated me to improve.
By adopting this positive mindset, I managed to make quite impressive progress in Season 1. No longer was I nervous and agitated. Instead, a sense of ease and focus ran through my body, making table tennis an extremely enjoyable learning pathway. Despite the difficulties and failures in the beginning, I am able to say that this activity has been one of the brightest highlights in the new year. What I found interesting however, was that this steep learning curve was the most memorable and vibrant of all recollections. This is because for me, the process of overcoming my weaknesses and striving towards improvement, and, well, victory, is what defines the moment of growth. When I reach my goals, I always want to go further, and climb higher almost immediately, since achievements are only a milestone. The path itself, is why I enjoy table tennis.
As I progress further, I am look forward to setting myself new targets, like specific attack or defense techniques and possibly even different playing styles. Playing table tennis isn’t necessarily a skill that I will need for my future, but I choose to do it, because it makes my life a wider, richer range of kaleidoscope colors. The kaleidoscope colors of learning.
