When Covid struck the world by surprise my freshman year, I saw the world I thought I knew so well change in the blink of an eye. My everyday routine started to feel less and less like a routine. I still remember to this day the disappointment I felt when my baseball coach came by to say that the season would be cut short. At the time, I really had no idea what this virus was or how much it would impact the world, so me being me, I brushed it off. But little did I know that would be the last time I saw many friends and people I knew for over a month.
During the first few weeks of Covid, I would hit off the tee or have my brother feed me soft toss every day in hopes that the season would resume. But it didn't. As Covid progressed, I found myself trying to ease my boredom through countless hobbies such as lifting weights, skating, and having ping pong tournaments with my family. Even though these activities were fun, I found myself missing a few things in particular—my friends and sports.
As football season rolled around, CIF only allowed us to practice with our team two times a week, which if you play sports, you would know is way too little. My teammates and I all agreed that we needed more time so we decided that we would take matters into our own hands. We started practicing at Peck park which is about a five-minute drive from school. Our group was made up of almost all skilled player positions so we basically ran routes and played 3v3 scrimmages the entire time.
Over time, we could see each other's improvement which only made us more eager to play. With school being online, we could pretty much just roll out of bed at eight o clock, log onto zoom, and get our school work done throughout the day. This allowed us to spend more time with each other on and off the field. After practice, we made it a tradition to get food and go explore. We had countless adventures after practice from playing hide and seek tag at PV high, blasting music in Colby's truck while tossing around a ball, or finding a waterfall in PV while hiking around.
Through all our practices and adventures, I truly learned the importance of friendship. Before Covid, I took for granted how much better life is with your friends. When I wasn't allowed to see them, it made life much more boring. Ever since the pandemic, ive looked at my friends in a whole new light. For example, i try and enjoy every moment im with them because you really never know when your last hangout might be, especially before college. If theres one thing that I want you to take away from my speech, it would be to cherish every moment you have with your family and friends, because life goes by much faster than you might think.
Shoutouts
To the school: thank you for offering the tools i needed to succeed all throughout middle school and highschool
To the football team: these last four years have been nothing but fun with this team. You guys never fail to put a smile on my face even in the hardships that we've faced and I'll forever be grateful to call you guys my brothers.
To the baseball team: i dont think ive ever been on a more fun team in my life. The last four years have been awesome and I'm gonna miss you boys in college.
To my friends: ill be honest, i would have loved to shout each and every one of you out but if i did we would definitely be in here until lunch. So ill keep it short and simple. You guys are all like family to me and im going to miss all of you guys in college.
To both my grandparents: thank you guys for the constant love and support you give our family. Im so thankful for you guys and i couldnt imagine better grandparents. Thank you for coming to all my games even if its pouring rain. I love you guys and im going to miss you all so much.
To mom: I am beyond grateful to call you my mom. You are the most compassionate and loving person i know, and You inspire me every day. you have done so much for our family and we could not be more lucky to have you. I'm gonna miss watching movies with you and listening to country music on every car ride we go on. I love you and ill always be a call away
To dad: im extremely lucky to call you my dad. Youve been there for me always and no matter what you know how to make me happy. You introduced me to all the things that i love and you have taught me and i couldnt be more thankful for all that you have done for our family. I love you and i cant wait until we can hit the slopes in boulder together.
To caeden, owen, and nora: i couldnt ask for better siblings. You three have taught me so much about what it means to be a big brother and i am so thankful to have you guys in my life. I love you guys so much and I will always be there for you guys no matter what.