Good Experience--Number One

Around the track eight teams went. The crowd was wild that day as the 4x100 meter relay took off. I took a few anxious jumps up and down, up and down—loosened up before the baton would eventually reach my handoff zone, be placed into my hand, and make me the one thing standing between my team and the chance for a first place trophy at Track and Field State 2011.

In Cheney, Washington, the weather was on our side. The winds stayed quiet, and the sun chose not to beat down on us too terribly.

My eyes followed the first leg of our relay team around her 100 meter section of the track before she would hand it off to the second leg. Preliminaries had been easy. Placed in a heat with significantly lesser times than ourselves, it was simply a matter of getting the hand-offs down at the right place at the right time. Now, as finals was occurring right before my eyes, nothing but sheer focus held my gaze steady on the small, metal baton making its way around the track, towards me, bringing with it all of the heaviness that my coach and team had put on it only minutes before.

Never before had our Tacoma Baptist girls Track and Field team won the 4x100 meter dash at State. The year before at Track State 2010, I had participated in the same relay with nearly the same group of girls. We had been slotted to win, and our time would have beaten the winning time for that year. Unfortunately, one of our handoffs slipped, causing our relay team to be disqualified from the event that year.

This was our comeback; this is where it counted—where I was supposed to “leave it all out on the track.”

The baton was in the hand of the second runner now. I could feel my heart hammering against my chest. It felt as if it could jump right out of my being, it was so strong—so filled with the ambition of my team.

Ellie and Paige, the other two original members of the relay team from the previous year, were the first and second legs. Our conversations up until this point for that day had been about one thing and one thing only: the 4x100 meter relay. Our times were neck-and-neck with two other schools’, separated by about .01-.03 seconds each. We were nervous; we were anxious; we were ready. Before lining up at the starting line, our relay team had prayed. I could hear the anticipation in their words—the wonder of how the race would turn out etched into the tones of their voices.

The baton reached our newest relay member, the third leg: Mckenna. For a freshman, she was fast, and it wasn’t whether she’d be faster than the other girls or not that I was fearful over. Rather, it was our handoff. As a freshman, she hadn’t had much experience in handoffs, so the entire season had been laced with some good ones and some not so good ones. Practice before preliminaries at State that year had been shaky as well, so my confidence level was not where it could have been. But, that’s where my lesson came in.

Trust.

I trusted Ellie to have a good start and to get the baton to Paige. I trusted Paige to keep the momentum and to get the baton to Mckenna. I trusted in Mckenna’s speed and determination to pull ahead and get the baton to me. It’d be a straight-shot of my prayers and God-given speed from there-on out, and hopefully it’d be good enough.

Mckenna rounded the corner, owning her 100 meters that she had to run like a champion. I could always count on her to keep us ahead; again, her speed was never a cause of worry to me.

Then the hand-off.

I turned.

She passed the marker.

I took off.

“STICK!” she cried.

My hand flew back.

The baton’s cold body rested in my palm.

My fingers wrapped around the metal.

I ran.

When I run, my mind tends to “turn off” in the sense that I stop thinking about anything apart from what I am doing in that instant: running towards the finish line, and the people beside me who need to be placed behind me.

And by the grace of God, that is how the race finished.

I crossed the finish line a head above everybody else, winning the 4x100 meter dash at Track and Field State 2011.

The thing is, is that I have also won individual events at Track State. Do I feel accomplished and proud of the work paying off? Of course I do. But, for some reason, nothing gives me the satisfaction quite like knowing that my entire team placed first, and not just me. In my single events they called my name, I stepped up on the podium, received a medal, got down, had my picture in the paper, and that was that. “Five minutes of fame” is a phrase that I first-handedly know the meaning of, and know that it doesn’t satisfy. But the look on Ellie and Paige’s faces as they ran to me, finally receiving the state title that could have been ours the previous year… having a freshman feel the victory of what it’s like when an entire team works together, and how a season of hard work can really pay off… seeing them all ecstatic when they get their medals, being able to set a record time for our school… so many accomplishments made by my team and I… that is what I’ve found it to be all about.

At the end of the day, sure, I enjoyed the medal. And yes, who doesn’t like setting a record time for your school—or winning state? But what really made it all worth it in the end was the goal of my team being met by following my coaches’ objectives (via the daily workouts we were required to do). Lessons learned, friendships built, experiencing your teammates coming through for you when you are forced to trust them without even looking…

My team is what it’s all about.

Mysers Briggs Introduction & Communication Strategies

ENFJ

E: where you get your energy -- from the outside world 

N: how you take in information -- using your gut reactions.

F: how you make decisions -- with your heart based on values.

J: how you organize your life -- like to finish the job

Part One

Choosing A Major ~
I will probably choose a major that incorporates more of an intrapersonal style of communication over a major that would include me sitting in front of a computer by myself all day.

Reading, Writing, Studying ~
Unless I am intensely interested in what I am reading, it is difficult for me to stay focused on a book for too long of a time before my mind becomes fidgety and I want to find something new to do. This also goes for my studying habits; I am not very good at studying for long periods of time. As for writing, when I get really "into" what I am writing about, my tone becomes more passionate and the wording of my phrases will start to sound Shakespearian-esque.

Playing ~
In reference to sports, I am a very forceful player. I was once told by a girl that she actually quit basketball because I guarded her "too well." (I felt kind of bad about that.)

Possible Causes Of Stress ~
I become stressed in situations where there is a lack of communication. If I do not know what to do for an assignment, or if I have a relationship "problem" that has yet to be addressed, there is not much that I can do to attempt to remedy anything, and I get anxious.

Dealing With Conflict ~
I deal with conflict verbally. If there is something wrong, I prefer for the problem to be addressed straight to the person it involves and for it to keep being talked through until a conclusion is drawn.

Part Two
Communication Strategies

I don't really have any one person in my life who I would like to improve my communication with, but I could broaden my scope and say that I would like to communicate more and better with all of the girls on my floor.
The girls all have very different "codes;" there are many extroverts on our floor (Crowder 500 has been known to be extroverted), but there are also some introverts, and even some secret introverts! Communication between the girls has been kind of crazy due to girls simply being girls.
My code compares to a lot of the girls' codes because we all like to be outgoing and have a good time, but in contrast, not everyone understands why others do things as well as some understand it.
I can begin to adapt to these many different communication styles to improve my relationship with them by simply sitting back and listening to the girls rather than throwing in my thoughts and opinions all of the time. In fact, that is a specific "something" that I will probably do differently.

Goals & Mission Statement

GOALS

"If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else." --Lawrence J. Peter

Starting college, goals are a big part of accomplishing some of the big tasks that this type of schooling will present. As Lawrence Peter said, without a goal of sorts in mind, you will probably end up "somewhere else" -- and that somewhere else probably will not be where you want to be. That said, I will be setting three solid goals to have accomplished by certain deadlines in order to make sure that I end up exactly where God wants me!

Under the category of Spiritual Goals, my goal is a ministry that I am newly involved with called EVERY5. Started by current sophomore Avery Hopkins last year, she brought the idea to campus that, on every fifth of the month people would bring their spare change and give it to the EVERY5 cause. The idea? "Give change to make change." This past summer of 2011, Avery was able to take all of the change that people contributed (about $600) to Indonesia and feed starving children. By the beginning of this summer, our goal is to double last years' amount to a grand total of $1,200. We are praying for God to do big things! To do this, one of our fundraisers is setting out jars on every fifth of every month; so, if you drop by the Aerie or the Caf on the fifth, look for the jars and drop your change!

For Relational Goals, I am striving to become great friends with all of the girls on my floor (500 Chicks for days)! I know that all of the girl friends that I make here on campus will most likely be the main ones to last me for my whole life. That said, I am striving to make good friends with all of them! I do not really have any real deadline for this since relationships are usually unpredictable in how much time they take to develop, but I suppose that my deadline could be the end of this year, as well! To do this, I will spend more time with the girls than I would with the guys and make an effort to be on my floor and with my girls rather than chillin' by myself, somewhere. That is a nice, practical solution!

Finally, my Academic Goal is to keep a 3.5 GPA or higher this year. Clearly, I will not find out if I achieved this goal until the end of this year, so I will be striving for that throughout the year. I will achieve this by making studies a priority over hanging out, which will be hard, but very necessary for a college freshman who needs to start off on the right foot!

MISSION STATEMENT

I strive to GIVE my life to Christ by BEING ABOUT my FATHER'S BUSINESS,

by showing LOVE to His people,

IDENTIFYING Christ in the lives of others

and ILLUMINATING His Word in our every day lives.

I will live my life expressing JOY,

ABUNDANCE in Christ,

WISDOM,

LOVE,

WHOLENESS from Jesus,

and SECURITY in Him,

in an effort to SHOW teenage girls

just how much Christ can fulfill their lives

over any other human being.

Four Letters

Results from: http://typelogic.com/enfj.html

Extraverted iNtuitive Feeling Judging by Joe Butt

Profile: ENFJ
Revision: 3.0
Date of Revision: 23 Feb 2005

ENFJs are the benevolent 'pedagogues' of humanity. They have tremendous charisma by which many are drawn into their nurturant tutelage and/or grand schemes. Many ENFJs have tremendous power to manipulate others with their phenomenal interpersonal skills and unique salesmanship. But it's usually not meant as manipulation -- ENFJs generally believe in their dreams, and see themselves as helpers and enablers, which they usually are.

ENFJs are global learners. They see the big picture. The ENFJs focus is expansive. Some can juggle an amazing number of responsibilities or projects simultaneously. Many ENFJs have tremendous entrepreneurial ability.

ENFJs are, by definition, Js, with whom we associate organization and decisiveness. But they don't resemble the SJs or even the NTJs in organization of the environment nor occasional recalcitrance. ENFJs are organized in the arena of interpersonal affairs. Their offices may or may not be cluttered, but their conclusions (reached through feelings) about people and motives are drawn much more quickly and are more resilient than those of their NFP counterparts.

ENFJs know and appreciate people. Like most NFs, (and Feelers in general), they are apt to neglect themselves and their own needs for the needs of others. They have thinner psychological boundaries than most, and are at risk for being hurt or even abused by less sensitive people. ENFJs often take on more of the burdens of others than they can bear.
TRADEMARK: "The first shall be last"

This refers to the open-door policy of ENFJs. One ENFJ colleague always welcomes me into his office regardless of his own circumstances. If another person comes to the door, he allows them to interrupt our conversation with their need. While discussing that need, the phone rings and he stops to answer it. Others drop in with a 'quick question.' I finally get up, go to my office and use the call waiting feature on the telephone. When he hangs up, I have his undivided attention!

Functional Analysis:
Extraverted Feeling
Extraverted Feeling rules the ENFJ's psyche. In the sway of this rational function, these folks are predisposed to closure in matters pertaining to people, and especially on behalf of their beloved. As extraverts, their contacts are wide ranging. Face-to-face relationships are intense, personable and warm, though they may be so infrequently achieved that intimate friendships are rare.
Introverted iNtuition

Like their INFJ cousins, ENFJs are blessed through introverted intuition with clarity of perception in the inner, unconscious world. Dominant Feeling prefers to find the silver lining in even the most beggarly perceptions of those in their expanding circle of friends and, of course, in themselves. In less balanced individuals, such mitigation of the unseemly eventually undermines the ENFJ's integrity and frequently their good name. In healthier individuals, deft use of this awareness of the inner needs and desires of others enables this astute type to win friends, influence people, and avoid compromising entanglements.

The dynamic nature of their intuition moves ENFJs from one project to another with the assurance that the next one will be perfect, or much more nearly so than the last. ENFJs are continually looking for newer and better solutions to benefit their extensive family, staff, or organization.
Extraverted Sensing

Sensing is extraverted. ENFJs can manage details, particularly those necessary to implement the prevailing vision. These data have, however, a magical flexible quality. Something to be bought can be had for a song; the same something is invaluable when it's time to sell. (We are not certain, but we suspect that such is the influence of the primary function.) This wavering of sensory perception is made possible by the weaker and less mature status with which the tertiary is endowed.
Introverted Thinking

Introverted Thinking is least apparent and most enigmatic in this type. In fact, it often appears only when summoned by Feeling. At times only in jest, but in earnest if need be, Thinking entertains as logical only those conclusions which support Feeling's values. Other scenarios can be shown invalid or at best significantly inferior. Such "Thinking in the service of Feeling" has the appearance of logic, but somehow it never quite adds up.

Introverted Thinking is frequently the focus of the spiritual quest of ENFJs. David's lengthiest psalm, 119, pays it homage. "Law," "precept," "commandment," "statute:" these essences of inner thinking are the mysteries of Deity for which this great Feeler's soul searched.
Introverted Thinking

Introverted Thinking is least apparent and most enigmatic in this type. In fact, it often appears only when summoned by Feeling. At times only in jest, but in earnest if need be, Thinking entertains as logical only those conclusions which support Feeling's values. Other scenarios can be shown invalid or at best significantly inferior. Such "Thinking in the service of Feeling" has the appearance of logic, but somehow it never quite adds up.

Introverted Thinking is frequently the focus of the spiritual quest of ENFJs. David's lengthiest psalm, 119, pays it homage. "Law," "precept," "commandment," "statute:" these essences of inner thinking are the mysteries of Deity for which this great Feeler's soul searched.
TRADEMARK: "The first shall be last"

This refers to the open-door policy of ENFJs. One ENFJ colleague always welcomes me into his office regardless of his own circumstances. If another person comes to the door, he allows them to interrupt our conversation with their need. While discussing that need, the phone rings and he stops to answer it. Others drop in with a 'quick question.' I finally get up, go to my office and use the call waiting feature on the telephone. When he hangs up, I have his undivided attention!

Functional Analysis:
Extraverted Feeling
Extraverted Feeling rules the ENFJ's psyche. In the sway of this rational function, these folks are predisposed to closure in matters pertaining to people, and especially on behalf of their beloved. As extraverts, their contacts are wide ranging. Face-to-face relationships are intense, personable and warm, though they may be so infrequently achieved that intimate friendships are rare.
Introverted iNtuition

Like their INFJ cousins, ENFJs are blessed through introverted intuition with clarity of perception in the inner, unconscious world. Dominant Feeling prefers to find the silver lining in even the most beggarly perceptions of those in their expanding circle of friends and, of course, in themselves. In less balanced individuals, such mitigation of the unseemly eventually undermines the ENFJ's integrity and frequently their good name. In healthier individuals, deft use of this awareness of the inner needs and desires of others enables this astute type to win friends, influence people, and avoid compromising entanglements.

The dynamic nature of their intuition moves ENFJs from one project to another with the assurance that the next one will be perfect, or much more nearly so than the last. ENFJs are continually looking for newer and better solutions to benefit their extensive family, staff, or organization.
Extraverted Sensing

Sensing is extraverted. ENFJs can manage details, particularly those necessary to implement the prevailing vision. These data have, however, a magical flexible quality. Something to be bought can be had for a song; the same something is invaluable when it's time to sell. (We are not certain, but we suspect that such is the influence of the primary function.) This wavering of sensory perception is made possible by the weaker and less mature status with which the tertiary is endowed.
Introverted Thinking

Introverted Thinking is least apparent and most enigmatic in this type. In fact, it often appears only when summoned by Feeling. At times only in jest, but in earnest if need be, Thinking entertains as logical only those conclusions which support Feeling's values. Other scenarios can be shown invalid or at best significantly inferior. Such "Thinking in the service of Feeling" has the appearance of logic, but somehow it never quite adds up.

Introverted Thinking is frequently the focus of the spiritual quest of ENFJs. David's lengthiest psalm, 119, pays it homage. "Law," "precept," "commandment," "statute:" these essences of inner thinking are the mysteries of Deity for which this great Feeler's soul searched.
Introverted Thinking

Introverted Thinking is least apparent and most enigmatic in this type. In fact, it often appears only when summoned by Feeling. At times only in jest, but in earnest if need be, Thinking entertains as logical only those conclusions which support Feeling's values. Other scenarios can be shown invalid or at best significantly inferior. Such "Thinking in the service of Feeling" has the appearance of logic, but somehow it never quite adds up.

Introverted Thinking is frequently the focus of the spiritual quest of ENFJs. David's lengthiest psalm, 119, pays it homage. "Law," "precept," "commandment," "statute:" these essences of inner thinking are the mysteries of Deity for which this great Feeler's soul searched.

Temperament Result

Results from: http://www.keirsey.com/

My Temperament Result: 

Artisan (SP)

Artisans are the temperament with a natural ability to excel in any of the arts, not only the fine arts such as painting and sculpting, or the performing arts such as music, theater, and dance, but also the athletic, military, political, mechanical, and industrial arts, as well as the "art of the deal" in business.

Artisans are most at home in the real world of solid objects that can be made and manipulated, and of real-life events that can be experienced in the here and now. Artisans have exceptionally keen senses, and love working with their hands. They seem right at home with tools, instruments, and vehicles of all kinds, and their actions are usually aimed at getting them where they want to go, and as quickly as possible. Thus Artisans will strike off boldly down roads that others might consider risky or impossible, doing whatever it takes, rules or no rules, to accomplish their goals. This devil-may-care attitude also gives the Artisans a winning way with people, and they are often irresistibly charming with family, friends, and co-workers.

Artisans want to be where the action is; they seek out adventure and show a constant hunger for pleasure and stimulation. They believe that variety is the spice of life, and that doing things that aren't fun or exciting is a waste of time. Artisans are impulsive, adaptable, competitive, and believe the next throw of the dice will be the lucky one. They can also be generous to a fault, always ready to share with their friends from the bounty of life. Above all, Artisans need to be free to do what they wish, when they wish. They resist being tied or bound or confined or obligated; they would rather not wait, or save, or store, or live for tomorrow. In the Artisan view, today must be enjoyed, for tomorrow may never come.

There are many Artisans, perhaps 30 to 35 percent of the population, which is good, because they create much of the beauty, grace, fun, and excitement the rest of us enjoy in life.

Artisans at Work

Artisans seek to make an impact upon the organizations where they work and upon society at large. Their alertness to current realities, the joy they take in variation, and their tendency to follow their instincts to 'what works' make them good troubleshooters and negotiators, talented performers and craftspeople and excellent leaders in all kinds of emergencies and chaotic situations.

Even at work, your motto could be, "Let me entertain you. Let me make you smile." In fact, bringing playfulness to situations can be one of your greatest contributions on the job. In your ideal job, you have the opportunity to apply your talent for performing and improvising communications so that they appeal to the individuals or groups of people in your environment. Because of your gift for words, your ideal position might include tasks that allow you to apply your communications talent for the good of the organization.

Past && Achievement

CAYLA'S STORY;

*my past, abridged :)

My name is Cayla May Vichot. Growing up in a Christian society, I went to a school full of kids named after people from the Bible. You know, the Joshuas and the Calebs and the Marys and the Zerubbabels (okay, maybe not Zerubbabel). Whenever they would be given the question, "What does your name mean," or, "Why are you named that," they would be able to reply with a loud and proud, "I was named after MARY, the mother of JESUS. MY name has SIGNIFICANT meaning!" Alas, when that question came around to me, I would reply with a quiet, "IwasnamedafteragirlfromasoapoperawhowasinlovewithaguywithaneyepatchwhosenamewasPatch." Did that take you a moment to read? Have you deciphered it at all? If not, don't worry; the people who would strain to hear my answer couldn't make it out either. Simply put, my mother loved the soap opera called Days Of Our Lives, and the character named (you guessed it) Cayla caught her attention. It's a funny story, so I don't tell it with as much hesitancy as I used to. Also, once I asked my mom why she named me what she did, the response wasn't half bad.

My mother named me Cayla because the name was unique (spelling it with a "c" and not a "k" helped the cause, as well). There really was no other reason for naming me what she did; at the time, no one had the name Cayla.

In middle school I was required to look up my name meaning for an assignment. Two definitions constantly arose: one was "pure," and another was, "crown of laurel." For those of you who are like me and are not nature-savvy, I will tell you what Google.Com told me: that a "laurel" is the leaf that the Olympians put on their heads as crowns in ancient Greece. As a track and field competitor, being named after an Olympian's crown holds weight in my mind. I can appreciate what my name means (and yes, even how I got it), knowing that God knew me even before my mom had decided on a name and was in control over all of it.

I don't have any siblings, so that could only mean one thing: I am an only child! My dad left our home when I was two years old, so until I was eight it was just my mom, my grandma, and myself functioning in our own little family unit. When I turned eight, though, my mom married a man who easily morphed into our little family.  As aforementioned, I was born and raised in a Christian community called Gig Harbour, Washington. Gig Harbour is actually a lot like the Kirkland area, just... smaller, and with a LOT more elderly people. It's a retirement city for sure (hence all of the restless teenagers with nothing to do except the illegal), and is a wealthy place. My environment has definitely affected me - in some ways, good, and in other ways, not so good, but one thing it has done for me: it has brought me closer to my Jesus and my God. My mom enrolled me in a Christian school, showered me with her love, and would take me to church with her every Sunday. At said church - Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church - I never really developed any real sense of belonging or fellowship. I was only in the single digits of my years, so maybe I couldn't have expected that out of my younger-self; in the same way, I never really associated myself with any sort of church denomination. To me, a Christian was just that - a Christian. What else could you be? We all loved Jesus. I have come to stick by that conviction; even though I can now see why there are denominations, loving Jesus always seems to level the playing field.

The Lord has been in my life in ways that are so evident, if only I would open my eyes a little wider to really see! One thing He has done is paved my way to Northwest University. During my senior year of high school I was definitely found being slightly (if not moreso) worried about how on earth I was going to come up with the finances for such an expensive school. Thankfully, I was already connected with people at Northwest during my senior year, and so the 2010 Choralons CD made its way into my iTunes library. The song "Waymaker" encouraged me, saying, "I have no reason to doubt Him; I know too much about Him. He's a waymaker." HE provided the finances. HE gave me favour in the scholarship department. Now it's my responsibility to use His gift to the fullest for His Kingdom and Glory. I am now able to attend classes, run track, and sing in Choralons which encouraged me during my senior year in order to attest to the power of God in my life by the simple fact that I am here.  

As far as determining my major, I am Undeclared. Is that because I don't know what God is calling me to yet? Is it because I am unsure where my passions should be focused on? Yup, pretty much. But I believe that God definitely paved my way to be here at Northwest, and I do NOT believe that He would have provided so greatly to NOT show me something. I am ready for Isaiah 6:8 to be true in my life - for God to reveal to me the details of the direction that He has pointed me in and to guide me along the narrow path of my life! He has BIG plans. Big plans.

CAYLA'S ACHIEVEMENT;

Heat. Sweat. Adrenaline. A pulse beating like a drum in my ear. Focus. Information - when to pass the baton off. Speed. Speed.

"Last call, 4x100 meter relay!"

Go time.

Track State, whether you are in a 4a or 2b league, is a stressful event that heaps on more panic at the end of your school year than you ever had before. Countless hours of practice go into your hand-offs, your starts, the speed you are to take off at in your hand-off zone so that you don't miss your mark and get disqualified. It's all about timing; timing is key.

That was my senior year of high school. As a juniour, my 4x100 meter relay team had made it to state as well, but unfortunately we got disqualified due to a bad hand-off. Thus, going into state with the 4x100 my senior year with a group consisting of the same girls was, needless to say, nerve-wracking. Each mind was consumed with the possibility of handing the baton off outside of the zone, or even worse: dropping it (which would be akin to dropping a baby; I am really not kidding).

As my 4x100 team stepped up to the starting line, I could practically taste the tension in the air. It was the taste of nerves - of intensity - of possibility. So much possibility.

We divided up into our hand-off zones. I put down my steps - marked my place - took of my steps - stretched and loosened up in place.

It's difficult to transliterate the feeling that goes through an athlete's chest right before the big moment. For the basketball player stepping up to the free-throw line with a one point difference and five seconds left on the clock, the soccer player with one defender and having the opportunity to make the deciding goal in a tied game, or the track runner preparing for a hand-off, it all comes down to a few seconds. Those few seconds, whether three or five or even ten, will decide everyone's effort on the field, court, and track thus far. Those few deciding seconds send the blood racing through your veins, telling you with each pump to, "Go. Go. Go." You don't think of anything else - not your form, the basket, the ball, or the baton, but simply to go, to score, and to win.

Go. Score. Win.

The gun went off. The baton made its way around the track. My hand-off came up. I ran.

"Stick!" The cold metal of the baton landed in my hand. I grasped it. Hard. I ran. Faster. Faster. Faster. Wind. Focus. The finish line.

We had won the 4x100 meter relay at track state. We also went on to claim the title for the 4x200 meter relay, as well as placing in the 4x400 meter relay. We were praised; never before had we taken so many titles for the girls relay teams for our school at one meet. And yet, it wasn't the praise for myself that I was cherishing, but for my entire relay team.

It's interesting, because, as we stepped up onto the podium to receive our first place medals, we all felt the excitement of being called as "the state champions." We were beyond thrilled to get a blue medal instead of a red or white one. And yet, as I stepped off from the podium after the team picture, I didn't really feel much of anything. The excitement was fading fast. Everyone was putting their attention on the next event. The 4x100 was no longer as important as it was five seconds ago.

Come to realize, it wasn't necessarily the "moment of winning" that I appreciated most, but each individual moment within the entire relay. Each person's hand-off, speed, and timing was executed with precision and skill. Each member of the team had worked hard to pull of the entire relay, and by the time it was over, that was really all we had left: the clichéd phrase of  "the satisfaction of a job well done." But, when you do that job, yourself, the "cliché-ness" kind of goes away, and you actually start to really understand what it means to be proud of an accomplishment, not because other people are proud of you, but because it was a hurdle that you had to overcome (track pun intended).

For Ellie, Paige, McKenna, and Cayla, at Track State 2011 at Eastern Washington University running for Tacoma Baptist High School, we had each overcome our own individual hurdles for our relays, and in the end, we came out on top.

Hard work? Over-rated? Hardly.