Lessons From the Bench
by Eric Jakubowski
January 10, 2012
There was one minute left in the fourth quarter of the state quarterfinal basketball game. We were down by two points to Milton, and were in an unfamiliar situation because we were ranked as the No. 1 team. Everyone in the crowd was standing, but I’m not sure if that’s because they were excited or if it was impossible for all of them to sit down. The looks on their faces showed anxiety coupled with fright that we might lose. However, I knew that this possibility was not going to happen. We ended up winning the game on a last-second layup, and I was one of the happiest people in the gym. I saw this whole scene from the best seat in the house- the bench.
This wasn’t the first time that I didn’t play in a game that basketball season. For some kids, not playing would be an awful situation, since most people want to be the star- but not me. That season was the most important learning experience I’ve ever had. It taught resiliency, and I formed close friendships that I’m sure will last for a very long time.
My coach has said to me that even though I’m not the star player, I’m the team leader. In practice, my work ethic rubs off on my teammates and encourages them to also strive toward their best. Many people who go to the games have said that they love to watch me when a time-out is called. I jump right off the bench and am the first to high-five all my teammates. Sometimes my coach even asks me for what plays I think should be called because he knows that my head is in the game, even though I’m not on the floor. This shows that he respects me. And I’m more than just a player to him. This is my contribution to the team’s success.
Another lesson that I learned from the bench was the importance of encouragement. My mom often calls me the team cheerleader because of the passion I bring to the game. When I see that my Teammates may be disappointed, I make an effort to bring smiles to their faces. This scenario will happen in life. I’ve learned that things don’t always go the way that I want, but I have to persevere and continue to work hard.
My coach’s two young grandsons go to every game and sit right beside me. At first during the year, they would ask why I didn’t play as much as some of the others. Finally one game, I said to them that it doesn’t matter to me about my playing time. All that matters is that I know my role, and I’m on the team with my friends. They went home that night and told their mom what I said, and a couple of days later she came up to me and thanked me for teaching her kids such an important lesson. From that point on, I was their new favorite player.
My leadership skills follow me off the basketball court and into the other arenas of my life. In the classroom, I ask insightful questions that will also be a benefit to the other students. My teachers have asked me numerous times to work with other classmates because they know my willingness to help. This is the same principle of a team. I work with other people so we can all have success in school. Life isn’t about individuals; it’s about community.
In my small Vermont town, I have tried to become an integral part of my local community. In addition to various community service events, I have been an altar server for more than eight years in my parish. This is another important experience that makes me a well-rounded individual. The importance of faith, coupled with my family’s values, make me who I am.
I hope that I view the rest of my life through the same perspective that I did during the quarterfinal game. The values that I learned will be with me for the rest of my life. I’m sure that I’ll never forget any of the experiences I had while I was at my seat on the bench.
Taken from High School Today magazine, January 2012
