The start of this year has been a different experience early on in high school I always figured I had all the time in the world. As the years went by time started to fly by between academics and sports it was like I was always busy. With no time to blink senior year has already started, deadlines are being set, and the end of the year is coming faster than expected. I can already tell this year is going to be extremely fast and hectic. But the one difference is that I am ready for this year I am prepared mentally, this is my last year of high school I would like to go out on top of my game succeeding beyond all measures. I know I have not met my peak in academics of athletics but what I do know is that this year I will work harder than in the past I have so much more to show so much more to do.
I really wish I would have taken my sophomore and junior year a lot more serious I feel I would have put myself in a better situation this year to graduate. Academics this year have taken on a whole new meaning to me I have so much more riding on this year. I have always known how much academics meant to my future but now that it’s actually my last year it’s just the realization that I need to get my things together and get my work done so I can get to a college that I know I deserve to get into. This year will be stressful because not only do I have all my classes to worry about but I also have the SAT\ACT to worry about I must do my absolute best on these next few times I take these test because this will also be one of the ways I will get into college.
Another reason why this year will be somewhat a struggle is going to have to find a way to balance my academics and my athletics. I have found ways to do it before but now there is so much going on with senior year, all my classes, and even athletics with all the attention I’ve been getting from top schools. I know I will eventually find a way to do what needs to be done but as of right now this year has been overwhelming with all the things being expected out of me.
This year my expectations for myself are to give this year all I got go out with a blast. Academically I feel I will do my best and every person that doubted me in school that said I wasn’t smart enough to go to college. Athletically I will do my best in everything I do I want to leave this school with 2 valley rings and I am coming in with none. In all honesty I just want to be remembered.
Journal 2: Why i am STRIVING to be better
Jason Acaina Misaalefua is my older brother he paved the way for me in life. He taught me that life is short and you got to take advantage of everyday if you didn’t give everyday your best than you didn’t win the day. Growing up I never realized his thinking, I liked sports but never took them serious I wasn’t that kid that worked hard I didn’t try to be anything special I was just an average kid.
One year I remember so clear it was summer vacation of 2001 I was headed into my 1st grade year and my brother was going into his junior year of high school. I remember everyday that summer he was working out; harder than he has ever worked before. When I asked him why he was always working out and was to busy for me he said “Because football is coming and I want to win” at that time I didn’t know what was so important about winning I just thought it was a stupid game. But not to Jason football was a huge part of his life he wanted to win a valley championship, go onto college and play, he wanted to be remembered. That year Jason got his valley championship but due to injuries he obtained his freshman year in college he didn’t go far in college football.
Two years after Jason hung up the football pads he died in a car crash it wasn’t till that day that I realized that life is short and Jason didn’t get his chance to live his life to the fullest. So I told myself I would change my mentality about life I would work hard in school and football so one day I could win a valley championship and play college ball but the one difference in our goals is I don’t care if people remember me the only person they should remember is Jason and that his goals are my goals and I will achieve them not for myself but for the both of us.
I am determined to accomplish these goal some people may say im doing this for my brother and my hearts not in it. But I love what im doing and I love who im doing it for, my heart is completely set on the life I have choose. This is all about me who my brother helped me become and how I am living a better life because of him.
One year I remember so clear it was summer vacation of 2001 I was headed into my 1st grade year and my brother was going into his junior year of high school. I remember everyday that summer he was working out; harder than he has ever worked before. When I asked him why he was always working out and was to busy for me he said “Because football is coming and I want to win” at that time I didn’t know what was so important about winning I just thought it was a stupid game. But not to Jason football was a huge part of his life he wanted to win a valley championship, go onto college and play, he wanted to be remembered. That year Jason got his valley championship but due to injuries he obtained his freshman year in college he didn’t go far in college football.
Two years after Jason hung up the football pads he died in a car crash it wasn’t till that day that I realized that life is short and Jason didn’t get his chance to live his life to the fullest. So I told myself I would change my mentality about life I would work hard in school and football so one day I could win a valley championship and play college ball but the one difference in our goals is I don’t care if people remember me the only person they should remember is Jason and that his goals are my goals and I will achieve them not for myself but for the both of us.
I am determined to accomplish these goal some people may say im doing this for my brother and my hearts not in it. But I love what im doing and I love who im doing it for, my heart is completely set on the life I have choose. This is all about me who my brother helped me become and how I am living a better life because of him.
journal 3: last year of cardinal football
As I sit back and reflect on my senior year of football I can say I am completely happy with the way things ended. As a team we had already set goals in January of last year. We put in all of the work to accomplish those goals. I ended my junior year on a heartbreaking loss in the semi-finals of playoffs and I told myself I wouldn’t let that happy to my senior year. I would come back a different player and wouldn’t go through what the senior of 2013 went through
Throughout the season things happened that no one expected to happen for example when people looked at our schedule that had already parked us down for a loss when they seen CVC. But as a team we went into that game prepared and ready to win and because of that mentality we won and people can say that it was pure luck or whatever else they want to say they didn’t see all the film we watched or how hard we worked during practice we won that game because we worked hard and did everything our coaches taught us to do. That season we brought it, it didn’t matter what school you were, what division you played in if you were on our schedule you were in for a battle
Out of all four years of high school football this will be my most memorable year. Ive had many coaches but none have has the effect on my life like this coaching staff this year. I have had four linemen coaches the last was coach Jennings he brought the mentality of hard work to the linemen when we were in individuals we learned to work hard, and pushed the other guys to go harder and be the best that they can be.
Going into the year we knew there was a big void to fill loosing seniors Dustin Lamb and Jorge Avalos but I feel that wasn’t a huge problem people thought it would be. Having more options at the Offensive and Defensive line was very important this year we had so many more guys that there was way more competition. From seniors to freshman we had guys competing for spots all year long but no matter who it was we always had guys that we trusted and believed in to do their very best we as a line brought our very best to each and every game.
As a overall team I feel we dominated and we had a few let downs but I know this team worked harder than any other team I have every been a part of it was a great and humbling experience to grow up and watch my brothers grow and become who they are today any one of them can go on and do big things in their life’s. I know that I would never change a thing about what happened between this team from the ups and downs I know that I can look back one day and say that these men are my brothers and we left everything we had out on the field every Friday night
Throughout the season things happened that no one expected to happen for example when people looked at our schedule that had already parked us down for a loss when they seen CVC. But as a team we went into that game prepared and ready to win and because of that mentality we won and people can say that it was pure luck or whatever else they want to say they didn’t see all the film we watched or how hard we worked during practice we won that game because we worked hard and did everything our coaches taught us to do. That season we brought it, it didn’t matter what school you were, what division you played in if you were on our schedule you were in for a battle
Out of all four years of high school football this will be my most memorable year. Ive had many coaches but none have has the effect on my life like this coaching staff this year. I have had four linemen coaches the last was coach Jennings he brought the mentality of hard work to the linemen when we were in individuals we learned to work hard, and pushed the other guys to go harder and be the best that they can be.
Going into the year we knew there was a big void to fill loosing seniors Dustin Lamb and Jorge Avalos but I feel that wasn’t a huge problem people thought it would be. Having more options at the Offensive and Defensive line was very important this year we had so many more guys that there was way more competition. From seniors to freshman we had guys competing for spots all year long but no matter who it was we always had guys that we trusted and believed in to do their very best we as a line brought our very best to each and every game.
As a overall team I feel we dominated and we had a few let downs but I know this team worked harder than any other team I have every been a part of it was a great and humbling experience to grow up and watch my brothers grow and become who they are today any one of them can go on and do big things in their life’s. I know that I would never change a thing about what happened between this team from the ups and downs I know that I can look back one day and say that these men are my brothers and we left everything we had out on the field every Friday night
journal 4: Random thoughts
So as the year keeps flying by I can’t even fathom the idea of where I’ll be in a year. Everyone I meet tells me they know I’ll do big things no matter where I end up what makes them say this to me? I don’t even know where I’ll be in a year. This recruiting process has taking its toll on me mentally I’m not the smartest kid and I definitely don’t have the best test scores. I have never doubted my ability in the classroom or on the field but I have doubted myself when its came to the ability to believe in myself.
So many people believe in me and I’m my biggest doubter I criticize myself more than any other person ever will. Nothing I do is every good or great it’s just okay and yea at that time I might celebrate and be happy with the outcome but the very next day I’m going over what I could of done better and what I should have done to help the team.
When people ask me what I want to do in life I have no real answer that concerns a job. They always tell me well you got to figure it out the future is coming faster than you think. I don’t know what fields I want to go into when I am older I don’t know what really interest me. All I do know is where ever I end up whatever path I choose I will be the best and I won’t stop worker till I am.
Sometimes I wonder why I always doubt myself and why am I so negative about myself and one day I read a quote that said “When writing the story of your life don’t let anyone else hold the pen” what this mean t to me is that I was not satisfied by then events taken in myself and my actions that lead up to that point. So that’s why I was so critical about my actions.
So I figure until the day that I finally do something that I don’t critique I won’t be satisfied with what I have done. Because it is my life and my book to write and it won’t be a great book to me unless I am the best. So until that day comes I won’t stop working, critiquing, and I will not be satisfied with my life
So many people believe in me and I’m my biggest doubter I criticize myself more than any other person ever will. Nothing I do is every good or great it’s just okay and yea at that time I might celebrate and be happy with the outcome but the very next day I’m going over what I could of done better and what I should have done to help the team.
When people ask me what I want to do in life I have no real answer that concerns a job. They always tell me well you got to figure it out the future is coming faster than you think. I don’t know what fields I want to go into when I am older I don’t know what really interest me. All I do know is where ever I end up whatever path I choose I will be the best and I won’t stop worker till I am.
Sometimes I wonder why I always doubt myself and why am I so negative about myself and one day I read a quote that said “When writing the story of your life don’t let anyone else hold the pen” what this mean t to me is that I was not satisfied by then events taken in myself and my actions that lead up to that point. So that’s why I was so critical about my actions.
So I figure until the day that I finally do something that I don’t critique I won’t be satisfied with what I have done. Because it is my life and my book to write and it won’t be a great book to me unless I am the best. So until that day comes I won’t stop working, critiquing, and I will not be satisfied with my life
JOURNAL 5: signing day
February 5th 2014 this day has been marked on my calendar ever since my sophomore year and college football became more realistic. The years flew by but heading to senior year week days slowed down and it felt like February 5th would never come. As the year went by February 5th became more of a dream it just seemed like I would end up at a junior college like Division one football was more of a dream than a reality.
Montana State came into the picture and they gave me a shot to be a division one athlete I didn’t have much of an option it was two weeks before signing day they were a good program with a good team I didn’t have many options so I committed to Montana state. But wasn’t as happy as I thought I would be I felt some of the coaches just told me the things that would get me to commit and didn’t listen to things I had to say.
So a week before signing day Coach Leftwich met me inside of the teachers break room and made me go through a series of linemen drills (in my causal everyday clothes) while class was in session facility members came through and stared at this man like he was crazy as did I. This man certainly struck me as odd after our meeting in the teachers break room he decided he wanted to see me at basketball practice. After watching me practice for 15 minutes he called me into our weight room and handed me a phone from the Head Coach at UTEP the phone call was pretty much stating how I would be leaving Friday morning and flying out to the university.
Once I got there we headed to the stadium it was so overwhelming I just tried to soak as much in as I could I was the first called into the office It was so nerve racking what was a 5 second walk felt like a 5 minute walk and once I sat down Coach Krugler gave me some background on himself and then he said Chris I don’t know if you know this right now but you’re here for a reason and that is because you’re a Division 1 Athlete and we want you to play for this team you have a full ride scholarship on the table all you have to do is say yes.
At that moment in time I was so speechless all I could say was “can you give me the night to talk to my mom” he gave me all the time I needed that weekend but besides the football program the university sold its self I could not turn this down it was too big of an opportunity to miss out on. I made my choice that Saturday and eventually when February 5th rolled around I knew I was going to be a University of Texas El Paso Miner!
Montana State came into the picture and they gave me a shot to be a division one athlete I didn’t have much of an option it was two weeks before signing day they were a good program with a good team I didn’t have many options so I committed to Montana state. But wasn’t as happy as I thought I would be I felt some of the coaches just told me the things that would get me to commit and didn’t listen to things I had to say.
So a week before signing day Coach Leftwich met me inside of the teachers break room and made me go through a series of linemen drills (in my causal everyday clothes) while class was in session facility members came through and stared at this man like he was crazy as did I. This man certainly struck me as odd after our meeting in the teachers break room he decided he wanted to see me at basketball practice. After watching me practice for 15 minutes he called me into our weight room and handed me a phone from the Head Coach at UTEP the phone call was pretty much stating how I would be leaving Friday morning and flying out to the university.
Once I got there we headed to the stadium it was so overwhelming I just tried to soak as much in as I could I was the first called into the office It was so nerve racking what was a 5 second walk felt like a 5 minute walk and once I sat down Coach Krugler gave me some background on himself and then he said Chris I don’t know if you know this right now but you’re here for a reason and that is because you’re a Division 1 Athlete and we want you to play for this team you have a full ride scholarship on the table all you have to do is say yes.
At that moment in time I was so speechless all I could say was “can you give me the night to talk to my mom” he gave me all the time I needed that weekend but besides the football program the university sold its self I could not turn this down it was too big of an opportunity to miss out on. I made my choice that Saturday and eventually when February 5th rolled around I knew I was going to be a University of Texas El Paso Miner!
Journal 6: My journey
As of today there is 38 days of school left all I can do is reflect on the years and situations of my life. The days go faster each and every day and I can’t help but reminisce on the past 17 years of my life. From the days were I didn’t like football to the days like today were I can’t wait to strap on my helmet and pads and play another snap of football.
Being a LHS Cardinal has had a powerful impact on my life if I would have went to a different school I don’t think I’d be who I am today the people I have met and the teachers that have taught me have changed my life for the best. Friends like Jacob and Harvir and helped me so many times in my life there friendship can never be repaid. Teachers like Mrs. Torres or Ms. Skinner can never be thanked enough for the great information they provide us with. Coaches like Lira, Robertson, and Jennings have provided me with the ideas of hard work and dedication and that sometimes as a man you just got to man up! I can honestly say the people I’ve surrounded myself with throughout my life have motivated me to be the best that I can be.
Life wasn’t always easy for me but in reality who has an easy life? There has been multiple moments in my life where I could have given up but because of my family and friends I am still here striving every day to be the best that I can be. There will always be negativity in someone life but how you take that negativity and turn it into a positive is what will determine where you will end up in life. I feel every time I have been presented with a negative I have taken the best out of it.
That is something I have learned from my Mother and Father; my Mother is someone that will wants the best out of every situation. She wasn’t always given the best or treated the best but she found a way to be one of the best mothers a young man like myself can ask for. My Father may not be the smartest or most educated person around but he taught be out of every bad situation there will be a brighter day. He has taught me through a strong belief in god, a strong back bone (family), and hard work and dedication you can do whatever you desire. My Older Sisters have taught me that the real world is not easy and that I need to go to college: I have been given opportunities some people will never get in a lifetime.
Through my family and friends I have found who I am. I am a man of god, a family man and someone who is never satisfied. Overall my life was never been easy but something worth doing will never come easy I hope at the end of the year I can look back and say I did my best but I got so much more that needs to accomplish.
Being a LHS Cardinal has had a powerful impact on my life if I would have went to a different school I don’t think I’d be who I am today the people I have met and the teachers that have taught me have changed my life for the best. Friends like Jacob and Harvir and helped me so many times in my life there friendship can never be repaid. Teachers like Mrs. Torres or Ms. Skinner can never be thanked enough for the great information they provide us with. Coaches like Lira, Robertson, and Jennings have provided me with the ideas of hard work and dedication and that sometimes as a man you just got to man up! I can honestly say the people I’ve surrounded myself with throughout my life have motivated me to be the best that I can be.
Life wasn’t always easy for me but in reality who has an easy life? There has been multiple moments in my life where I could have given up but because of my family and friends I am still here striving every day to be the best that I can be. There will always be negativity in someone life but how you take that negativity and turn it into a positive is what will determine where you will end up in life. I feel every time I have been presented with a negative I have taken the best out of it.
That is something I have learned from my Mother and Father; my Mother is someone that will wants the best out of every situation. She wasn’t always given the best or treated the best but she found a way to be one of the best mothers a young man like myself can ask for. My Father may not be the smartest or most educated person around but he taught be out of every bad situation there will be a brighter day. He has taught me through a strong belief in god, a strong back bone (family), and hard work and dedication you can do whatever you desire. My Older Sisters have taught me that the real world is not easy and that I need to go to college: I have been given opportunities some people will never get in a lifetime.
Through my family and friends I have found who I am. I am a man of god, a family man and someone who is never satisfied. Overall my life was never been easy but something worth doing will never come easy I hope at the end of the year I can look back and say I did my best but I got so much more that needs to accomplish.