January – Although it may seem like a simple activity, the sport of archery has impacted me in so many ways! Since 6th grade, I have been an active archer for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP®) club at my school, North Harrison High School. Now, as a senior, I am truly realizing archery’s full impact on me. To me, archery is a significant part of my life and has changed me profoundly. By participating in archery, I have gained skills that I would not have learned without the sport. From building a resilient mindset to developing leadership qualities by supporting teammates during tournaments, archery has shaped me into the person I am today.
Through archery, I have had the opportunity to travel to a variety of locations to compete in tournaments. This has created unforgettable memories for me and my teammates throughout my years in NASP®. From sightseeing to meeting archers from around the world, I’ve had so many amazing experiences because of archery. Additionally, archery has given me the opportunity to compete against individuals and teams across the nation. The NASP® program gave me my start in the sport and allowed me to discover my passion for archery. Beyond NASP®, I was introduced to other archery organizations, such as USA Archery, S3DA Archery, and NFAA Archery, which have enabled me to compete outside of school. By participating in these organizations, I have made lifelong friends along the way. Even though we may be competitors during tournaments, once they’re over, we spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. As an archer, I’ve not only gained knowledge about the sport but also learned valuable life lessons along the way.
As a high school student, archery has had a positive impact on my academics. The lessons of resilience and dedication that I’ve learned through archery have carried over to my education. Archery has helped me become a more driven and capable student. As the saying goes, you cannot be a student-athlete without putting “student” first. Without archery, I may not have learned these crucial lessons that have made me a better student.
Most importantly, archery has helped me grow as a leader. By supporting and encouraging my teammates, I’ve strengthened my communication skills, which has contributed to the success of my school’s archery team at many tournaments. Becoming a leader has also boosted my confidence, which continues to help me in and out of the sport. Overall, archery has provided me with countless opportunities and has greatly shaped my character along the way.
