Today, December 14, 2013 will be the day I am testing for my 2nd Dan. Just looking back at how far I've come, I've changed so much. Taekwondo shaped me who I am now (Weird, I took Taekwondo at a different school but quit and rejoined a year later when I heard about Jung's Taekwondo. I was extremely lazy and careless, but look at me now. I'm outgoing, somewhat loud, and helpful. I learn that being yourself will get you anywhere in life, and makes me realize what's true not fake.
I'm still going continuing Taekwondo because it helped me a lot in the past. Taekwondo helped me. After about two years being in Taekwondo, I've achieved a lot from my instructors. For example, Master Phillips has taught me how to teach correctly and to keep the class moving. He even taught me how to spar and what techniques that is more effective during that time. But from what I've learned its all about psychology not about power and being better than everybody else. I've learned my mistakes from the past and how I can fix those mistakes. Seeing how people act and what they do to fit in with the crowd is highly disappointing. Taekwondo has given me the chance to open up my eyes and try to start to make my goals happen not be some girl who can be all miss goodie goodie.
Looking back at my old memories being here, I realized there were a lot of yelling, pushups and more pushups, but just thinking about the positive part of going and continuing on with Taekwondo is… the support I get from my mom and the instructors I've built a weird, funny, but somewhat serious friendship with (you know who you are). You guys helped me improve, make me continue on what I love to do, compete in tournaments, and make new friends. If I never had you guys in my life I'll probably be focusing more on one sport and not experiencing a different one. But really, who knows!
My goals are to see if I can still keep going, and pretty much show how much dedication like I have during Track and Field season. I try to go everyday as I can but it never happens because I'm already in High School. Having to deal with marching band, pep band, final, sports, homework, getting ready for college etc. is just hard enough for me to go. But my most important last goal is trying to earn respect from my peers whether it's adults or children. Every time when I come to class I see that some seniors or lower belts don't even care about my siblings and I. Whenever we spar with them they think it's the Olympics and show off to the high belts. First of all, that's not very "cool" and second, I doubt that anybody would like you. Some color belts and black belts respect us (I thank you guys for that), but others do not even listen to what we have to say. We're treated as little children's and not as a mature adult. Even though they see me as a young person, mentally I'm matured and I respect anyone who is nice and treats me as equally as someone would treat like anybody else. If I don't act like it then I'm sorry.
"Keep going. Don't give up now. If you stop what will you accomplish?" I always tell myself that and the outcomes are really great! Honestly why should I quit in the end if you started doing something that benefits you in the first place? Since I've stayed demoted to Taekwondo for almost 3 years, it shows that if you want something you stay focus on it and keep going. Nothing is impossible. It's just to show how much you want it or not. When I teach in front of the class, I want the lower belts to see how much I've been through and teach them what I've learned throughout the years.
During my time in Tae Kwon Do, I have gained confidence in myself, met many new people, and learned many things. As I continue with my high school career and my life after that, there will be many situations that make me feel uncomfortable or people who I disagree with. Through Taekwondo I have learned how to handle those type situations as well as how to treat people and act everyday. I plan to continue with Taekwondo while I'm going college and after.
