Does Competition Bring Out The Best In Us?

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COMPETITION BRINGS OUT THE BEST IN US

The score was 14-15. My team was losing the sectional championship game by just one point. Now we had to give our all to win, or we would be regretting the loss for years to come. In order to win, we had to get along with everyone on, and off, the volleyball court. We had to believe in ourselves, but most of all, we had to use all of the competitive skills that we had learned throughout our lives from parents, coaches, and our own experiences.

Each second, the game became more and more intense. After playing our hearts out for two rotations, the score was now in our favor. We were winning 16-15. As soon as we were in control of the game, we competed at a collegiate level that no one would have thought was possible. Our skills were equal to the skills of a college player. The hitters could jump so high that their entire arm was swinging above the net. The blockers all had at least half of their arm making a wall over the net. The defensive players all dug up balls that looked like comets beaming onto the court. We were just twelve girls on a high school team, but the skill and talent we were showing to win against our rival could have been even better than a professional team. We ended up being the team that was celebrating victory in the locker room. We all had our chance to yell, cheer, and jump up and down after we shook our opponents hands. We finally had the opportunity to celebrate an amazing victory. We were even interviewed by reporters and photographed by staff of the Hearld Argus, our city’s paper. Competition brought out the best in each one of us that night and that season. The skills we learned and showed on the court will never be forgotten. We learned to get along as a team, believe in ourselves, and to never give up on a goal.

In order to succeed, people must compete. Competition can bring out the best in everyone. During a single day, people in some way compete with themselves or with others. They compete to win a sporting event, to get a raise or promotion in their workplace, to receive the best grades on tests or homework assignments, and to be the best at everything they do.

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