January – I’ve been participating in NASP® (National Archery in the Schools Program) archery for four years now, and this is my third year as part of the Student Contributor Program. I truly enjoy archery and love everything about it—practicing, being a part of the team and community, and all the small tasks I get to do that are connected to the sport. Over time, archery has become a major part of who I am, and in many ways, it has even consumed a portion of my life.
One major reason I enjoy archery so much is because of the environment and the unique energy that comes with it. Whether it’s the bustling excitement at the start of a new season or the focused yet fun atmosphere in the middle of one, I love it all. The people and the commotion—even if it seems small—give me a sense of liveliness. Speaking of the people, the NASP® community is another aspect I love. I’ve met some great friends through archery, as well as made connections that have opened new doors for me.
A big part of archery for me is the commitment and responsibility that comes with it. On my team, since my mom is a coach, my brother and I help out a lot. I like to think of it like being a regular at a restaurant—you don’t have to help, but you want to contribute because it feels right. Setting up for practice or tournaments, running small errands, and just being there to assist whenever needed are some of my favorite parts of being involved in archery. I also create promotional art for the team and occasionally give advice in areas where I have expertise. I’m not shy to admit that I like feeling important, and these responsibilities give me that sense of fulfillment. While this level of commitment takes up a lot of my free time, I don’t mind because archery has become such an integral part of my life.
I also enjoy connecting archery and NASP® to my other hobbies and interests. I have a wide variety of activities I love, from hiking to sewing and so much more. If you remember me from last year, you might have seen some of the artwork I created to accompany the articles. This year, I’d love to write articles that explore how archery connects to subjects like math and science, as I’m passionate about those topics too.
