January – To me, NASP® is a community—filled with friends you make on your team, other archers you meet at tournaments, and the coaches and parents who support us throughout the season. NASP® has impacted my life for the better, giving me an amazing, supportive environment and changing my personal habits and goals.
I have been a NASP® archer for three years. As we move into the start of a new season, it’s good to take a step back and remind ourselves why we do this every year. My first exposure to the world of archery was through my brother. He joined NASP® when I was in 3rd grade, and at the time, I wasn’t interested. In fact, archery scared me! When I was in 6th grade, all of my friends joined the NASP® school team, and I saw how much fun they were having. Finally, I joined the archery team in 7th grade, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I am so happy that I joined the team and get to experience the love and community of archery.
I have loved becoming a NASP® archer because I have been able to build a supportive and inclusive environment with my teammates and coaches. Something that I find really cool about NASP® is that even though we are all competing against each other, we are also competing against ourselves. That allows us to build confidence and courage that we can carry through life—to job interviews and social connections. This system also allows us to support our teammates when they are struggling and cheer them on when they are succeeding. It’s so important for us to support and rely on one another because, at the end of the day, we are all working together toward a collective goal.
One of my favorite memories is after I got my first 50 at a tournament. An older teammate, who I didn’t know very well at the time, took me aside and talked to me about how to stay calm and not get jittery because there were still a lot of rounds left. They reminded me that every arrow is a new arrow. I have carried that advice with me throughout my time in archery and think about it when I’m shooting well or use it as a boost when things aren’t going as I’d hoped.
Archery has also helped me change some of my personal habits and goals. In archery, you have to be very punctual and exact, which can impact many aspects of your life. Archery has taught me discipline as well because, on the archery line, the rules are very strict. You have to follow the rules for everyone’s safety. There is a set of rules to follow, and learning how to consistently follow them can be helpful in life. You also have to work to control your emotions in stressful situations. On the line, you learn to manage your emotions so you don’t throw off your aim. In real life, following rules, punctuality, discipline, and emotional control can help with homework, tests, jobs, and so much more. Archery is helpful in so many ways because of the rigid schedule and effort it requires.
In conclusion, archery has impacted my life in so many great ways, and NASP® is an amazing community where you get to learn new things, build confidence, and improve your personal well-being. I think archery is a great sport for anyone—and by the way, I don’t find it so scary anymore, now that I know how it works!
