Natalie Plumlee, Class of 2025
College Entrance Essay
“I am thankful for you.” Most of the time, people do not understand how much weight that statement carries. We often express thankfulness using simple phrases, such as “thank you,” after a kind gesture. However, being thankful goes far beyond saying a simple phrase that has seemingly lost all significance. True thankfulness invokes a change in attitude, a posture of gratitude, and a true realization of what has been done for you.
I have always found great enjoyment in simple activities, most notably, volleyball. One of the special things about playing volleyball at my school is that my dad is the coach. I have always been vaguely aware of the sacrifices he makes to coach the team, but it was not until this year when I realized how truly grateful I am for the impact he has had on me as an individual.
Inevitably, when you play on a team and your parent is the coach, people often assume this means guaranteed playing time or increased recognition; however, this is not the case when it comes to my dad’s coaching style. In my 9th grade season on the varsity volleyball team, I had the opportunity to play for my dad, but this did not mean I started or played the entire match. In fact, I often sat on the bench and waited to be occasionally substituted for someone else. While this in itself could have caused me to wither and feel sorry for myself, it motivated me to work even harder.
As a senior, I am now the starting libero, the team captain, and have been a recognized member of the All-State team. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without my dad’s unwavering support. I have learned how to work hard, have a good attitude, and support and celebrate others even when I am not satisfied with my accomplishments. I have grown as a person through playing volleyball because it has taught me that I am capable of so much more than I think. I have learned how to lead others selflessly, and I would have never discovered my passion for leadership without my dad’s influence.
Besides personal growth and development as a volleyball player, these experiences have also helped me add another layer of depth to the special relationship I have with my dad. I am eternally thankful for my dad’s sacrifices because without his support I would not be who I am today. Above all, the memories we will forever share from something as simple as high school volleyball have influenced me so greatly and made an eternal impact on my life.
“I am thankful for you, dad.” This phrase is one that I have now incorporated into my daily vocabulary because it holds so much significance. My dad has not just given me material things to be thankful for; he has also given me opportunities and the ability to do things for myself. I have been able to make my own decisions, sometimes resulting in failure, but often resulting in success. My dad has exemplified why we should be thankful in all seasons, good or bad, because of the character development and growth that happens throughout the process.
Because of this, my thankfulness for him has grown tremendously, and his influence has made me want to impact others’ lives as much as he has impacted mine.
