Basketball
Leather. Smooth. Round. Bouncy. Orange. Inflated. What other than a basketball? To many people, it's just a ball. To me, it's something else. As the ball bounces, my heart beats. This game is my passion. When I step on the courts, it's not just a game. IT'S A GAME. More like a competition, a test, a challenge. Not only did I play basketball for my high school team, but I continue to play intramural basketball at Emory University. In addition, our 4th Floor Raoul Hall boys go and play pick up basketball. This activity helps me release my anger and stress from a busy week.
Additionally, basketball has been a game that has helped me make more friends and further integrate myself in American culture. Most Indians don't play sports and my parents didn't introduce me to many sports until I showed a passion in 5th grade. Indian culture is to focus primarily on education. At first, when I asked my parents to sign me up for a basketball league, they declined my request. Instead, I started going to the park for couple hours at a time just practicing my shooting and dribbling. Observing my passion for the game, my parents signed me up for Boys and Girls Club under the condition that I would maintain good grades. Although they were reluctant at first, because their parents raised them in a similar fashion, they understood the difference between me growing up in American society and them in an Indian one. As a result, I am forever grateful not only for my parents' realization, but also this game. This game that changed my youth and the development of who I have become.
Additionally, basketball has been a game that has helped me make more friends and further integrate myself in American culture. Most Indians don't play sports and my parents didn't introduce me to many sports until I showed a passion in 5th grade. Indian culture is to focus primarily on education. At first, when I asked my parents to sign me up for a basketball league, they declined my request. Instead, I started going to the park for couple hours at a time just practicing my shooting and dribbling. Observing my passion for the game, my parents signed me up for Boys and Girls Club under the condition that I would maintain good grades. Although they were reluctant at first, because their parents raised them in a similar fashion, they understood the difference between me growing up in American society and them in an Indian one. As a result, I am forever grateful not only for my parents' realization, but also this game. This game that changed my youth and the development of who I have become.