I started playing tennis my sophomore year of High School. I had no experience with tennis prior to joining the team. I thought it would be an easy sport to learn—thinking that all I had to do was hit the ball and make it over the net. How hard could that be, right? After the first practice, my perception of tennis changed forever; I realized it required a lot more than just hitting a ball over the net. I was so bad that I when I swung the racquet, I would miss the ball entirely. I learned that it was a very technical sport—every move requires strategy and technique. My coach was not pleased with my skills so he told me that I had a week to get better otherwise I could not be on the team. I joined the team late; everyone had already been practicing everyday for two weeks, I was way behind schedule. Luckily, we had a great assistant coach who was willing to teach me the game and spent hours practicing with me. By the end of the week, I was able to keep the ball in play and my couch allowed me stay on the team. My first year I didn't get to play as much as I wanted, but I developed love for the game and continued to get better. My senior year I became our team captain. I even got to participate in the regional tournaments.
When I moved to Rexburg, I didn't know anyone that I could play tennis with so I decided to focus on other things for the time being. After a few semesters, I met more people who shared the same interest in tennis as I did. Before last year, I have rarely played, but I decided to pick it up again. I wanted to get better. I don't think there has been a time when I haven't been in the mood to play tennis—I can spend hours playing.
This semester I am taking a Tennis Theory class, which teaches students coaching skills. We will get to set up tennis camps for kids and teach others how to play. Eventually I want to give private tennis lessons and possibly even help coach a team. My passion for tennis will never fade away. It something I'll be able to do and enjoy throughout my life.
Tennis can be a frustrating sport, so if you are a newcomer, don't expect too much from your first performances. Just like most sports, it requires patience and lots of practice. Never get discouraged by slow progress. Just keep playing and your game will eventually sort itself out. Tennis provides relaxation, excitement, exercise, and pure enjoyment to the player.
I really enjoyed working with CSS. It may be because I like to design and make things look good. At first CSS looked scary to me, but once I got the hang of it, it became my best friend. The CSS Zen Gardens project was by far my favorite project this semester. I like how you can take simple images and position them in way that brings the entire website to life.
I still have more to learn about CSS. I know it requires patience, confidence and more practice. Knowing how to use CSS is a skill that is valued in today's world.
