You can do anything you set your mind to!” Ah, the phrase we all heard over and over throughout early childhood. Theoretically, this is the best encouragement to tell kids, because it makes them believe they can excel at whatever they choose.
But I was not like most kids, so I didn’t choose. I interpreted this phrase as: “You can do everything you set your mind to!” So, that is exactly what I did – at least for a little while.
My first extracurricular was baseball, which I had loved since before T-ball. As I grew older, I had more opportunities for activities. In fifth grade, I joined volleyball and band. In sixth grade, I joined basketball. At the peak of junior high, I was in baseball, volleyball, basketball, track, softball, band, choir and speech.
I was crazy busy with all those activities on top of school! However, I didn’t mind. I was having fun exploring my interests. But when you explore, you eventually return home from your expedition.
I recently realized I had to narrow my activities, so I quit track, softball and basketball. My load became manageable, and I was doing the activities I loved the most that made me feel like myself.
I don’t regret the time in my life I did everything. It was integral in helping me know who I am, while also developing my time management skills, introducing me to new friends and forcing me outside my comfort zone. If I would not have tried everything, I would have wished I did. I would have questioned my identity and doubted my happiness in what I was doing. It was entirely necessary for me to try everything to shape me into the best version of myself.
The reality is you can’t do everything. It is impossible to be a master of all trades! However, if you have the desire to try it all, don’t restrict yourself. You will learn who you are, along with learning valuable life skills. Sometimes, doing everything you set your mind to is the only way you can do anything you set your mind to.
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Joanie McCormack, 15, is a sophomore at Legacy High School, where she is involved in speech, band, choir, volleyball and baseball. She enjoys art, writing and all things music. Joanie is the daughter of Jesse and Cheryl, who are members of Capital Electric Cooperative.
