Cause and Effect

Where would I be in life without golf and school? Don’t get me wrong, there are many other things that were very important to me growing up that shaped greatly who I am today, but none are of as much importance. These things shaped my life more than family, church, or ethnicity, simply because of the majority of ways they influenced me. Parents just teach their kids the basics, and then the kids learn everything else on the way. Both of these things moved me further towards independence from the rules, boundaries, and “basics” set up by my parents. They’ve provided me with entertainment, independence, personal satisfaction, and to some degree my friendships.
I took up the great game of golf when I was ten years old. The first few times I played I didn’t think much of it. I was obviously terrible, but my family said that if I worked hard at it, it was something I could be good at someday. So I practiced, got lessons, bought thousands of dollars worth of equipment, and just kept at it. I got better and better until eventually I could beat all my family members, then my friends, then my golf team, and finally all the kids in my entire region of Wisconsin. Golf consumed my life while I was growing up. I played in numerous tournaments and outings, and made some of my greatest friendships out on the course. By the end of High School I had recruited eight kids from the track team to try out for golf instead. Not only was golf a big thing on the course, but I was affected by it off the course as well. In High School I never really participated in the party scene. It was merely too big of a risk for me as I feared getting caught and losing my eligibility. As a result I stayed out of trouble and learned some valuable lessons in self discipline and responsibility. Golf also affected another huge life choice of mine; where to attend school. If it wasn’t for me trying to play golf at UW – Eau Claire, I would’ve never come here in the first place. So you could say golf chose my school for me.
Being here has influenced my life in so many ways, and I am glad I came here golf or no golf. College has opened my eyes to so many new classes, opportunities, people, cultures, sports, and a multitude of other things. One of the biggest changes for me from high school to college is the social scene. I didn’t spend much time partying in high school, but I feel I’ve done more than enough to catch up here in college. Going out provides people with the ability to meet new people, have fun, and relax. If done safely it’s a good way to get away from all the rigors of school and unwind. I’ve also met tons of people at parties, so not only is partying fun, it’s a great networking tool. I’m not suggesting that the only place to meet people in college is parties, but it can be a good starting point. While here at college I’ve met many people who I consider to be good friends and I hope to remain friends with them for a long time to come.
College has not only shaped me socially, but intellectually. In high school everything was a breeze. I’d do homework ten minutes before it was due, I never studied for tests, and I didn’t learn a single thing. College put me in my place just like I knew it would. The classes were difficult and professors here do this thing called teaching. Who would’ve thought one could actually learn from school? I’ve not only learned from the classroom, but from the dorm room. Independent life has taught me many life lessons: responsibility, accountability for my own actions, time management, and how to take care of myself.