This week I want you to learn that it is okay to try new things. You won't ever know what things you like and what things you are good at until you try them. I am really good at making people smile and laugh, but I would have never known that if I had been afraid to try being a mascot. My friend Patrick Burke, a Husker Track & Field Student-Athlete, can tell you all about why it's important to try new things and how much fun you will have learning new skills and meeting friends. This week Reach for the Stars and believe that you can do anything - you just have to try it!
Try New Things by Patrick Burke
Becoming physically active is a great way to meet friends and keep yourself healthy at the same time! When I was a kid, I tried every sport I could. I was involved in everything including basketball, baseball, track and tennis. I met some of my best friends doing sports as a kid and feel so happy about trying new sports out every chance I could. The great thing about trying new things is that you can find out what you really like to do and what you are good at. Let’s face it, there are some things that we don’t do well and some that we do well. But, until we try, we will never find out those things about ourselves. I was never afraid to try something new, and had I not tried track, I may not be a Husker student-athlete today.
Also, by trying new things out, you become a better student. Each sport has so many different things going on, that you need to learn the game before you can even play. The same principle applies in the classroom. Before doing math, you have to learn the basics and how numbers work together. By getting involved in new things, you learn how to not only be a better athlete, but also, a better student.
Sports can provide us many things: a way to stay fit, a way to be competitive, a way to meet friends, and a way for us to find out what we like to do. By trying new things, you will never limit yourself from being great. I encourage all of you to stay active in sports or other activities, and strive to be the best in all that you do. The only time you will truly fail, is if you never try. So get out there, try some new things, and most of all, have some fun!
Patrick Burke
Husker Track & Field Student-Athlete