The full audio recording of this story can be found here.

The highly anticipated basketball championship was approaching, and I was a wreck. 

As an 8th-grade student at North Star, my passion for basketball has been unwavering since the age of five. I have dedicated countless hours to playing basketball; alongside my peers, in both the sweltering heat of the spring and the cold, rainy winters. 

As the MVP of the basketball team, I aimed to leave a lasting legacy in my final year at North Star. On the day of the Championships, I got in the car; adorned in my vivid blue jersey with white letters. Attempting to distract myself from the impending game, I had slicked back my hair into a high ponytail. Upon bidding farewell to my parents and entering the gym, the atmosphere was abuzz with flying basketballs and the distinct squeaking of shoes. The brightly lit gymnasium illuminated both our opposing team and my familiar team. The sight of my team gave me a sense of relief. The commencement of the game drew near as the big clock on the wall struck 30 seconds, creating a surge of butterflies in my stomach. My heart was beating loudly throughout my body. Subsequently, the alarm struck zero, indicating that it was time to take my place on the sideline.

I was starting, and despite the trembling of my knees, I took my position in defense. As the opposing team initiated the game with possession of the basketball, I found myself defending the girl with the ball. To my surprise, I managed to steal it, and after sprinting to the opposite side of the court I decided to do a layup, but my attempt was unsuccessful, marking the first occasion on which I had missed a layup. 

This turn of events left me feeling deflated, and led to a series of missed shots, which made me frustrated with myself. At halftime, burdened by feelings of humiliation and frustration, I stormed out of the gym. Then I encountered a beautiful bracelet lying on the floor. The bracelet was created with a beautiful pattern featuring vibrant shades of purple and blue. Then I saw my name on the bracelet. When I saw my name, I started to believe that the bracelet had been a gift from the universe to bring me luck in the game. Upon putting on the bracelet, the resumption of the game was announced by the routine alarm. My coach fortunately granted me a second chance to partake in the game. I walked once more to my starting position. I then found myself again in possession of the ball, swiftly advancing towards the opposing side. After executing a well-timed pass to my teammate, the ball was returned to me as we positioned ourselves for the offensive play. With limited time for contemplation, I seized the opportunity to take the shot before the opposing team could intervene. As I released the ball, it sailed through the air and to my astonishment, it went in.

I executed successful plays, accumulating points and securing numerous ball possessions from the opposing team. As the game drew to a close, the scoreboard showed 34:12 in our favor. Just as soon as I felt proud and excited about winning, a profound sense of guilt washed over me because everyone was calling me the MVP but really the bracelet had won the game for my team.

When I walked up to my best friend, Jessica, she directed her gaze toward the bracelet on my wrist, offering a knowing smile. She then revealed that she had planted the bracelet outside, with the intention of giving me a sense of motivation by making me believe the bracelet would bring good luck. Days before the game Jessica recognized that I had been in my head a lot before the game and she knew that I might not do my best in the game because of my thoughts. Jessica then comforted me by saying that the bracelet had done nothing for the game, it was all me that had won the game for my team. Just like that, all the guilt that built up inside me rushed out and I felt like I could breathe again. This made me question and think about everything that I said was impossible. 

After contemplating for a bit, I finally came up with a conclusion; anything is possible with the right motivation and confidence. Ever since Jessica taught me that I am more capable than I thought, I have reached new highs and acquired many more achievements over the years.