Precision, balance and control. These three are among the many fundamental principles of gymnastics.

When I was young, I used to watch gymnasts on television perform the most breathtaking stunts. I was mesmerized by the idea of perfection that all these girls strived to achieve. The way the gymnasts presented themselves on stage and the hard work and devotion they exhibited during their training intrigued me. Since then, I have always been inspired by their incredible life passion that undoubtedly paved their way to success.

I have been doing gymnastics for six years. I joined my school’s competitive gymnastics team and have entered competitions such as The International Bangkok Moose Games, Club Gymnastica Philippines meet, Sonny International Gymnastics cup, and more.

Gymnastics also led me to join my school’s cheerleading team. Here, I held leadership positions as assistant secretary-treasurer in my second year, batch representative in the succeeding year and currently as secretary of the junior high school department. I was fond of performing as a dancer and learned the value of hard work and initiative as a student leader.

The one thing I loved most about gymnastics was the amount of discipline that went into the sport. Gymnasts had to be proper, poised and completely in control. Every step had to be nothing short of perfect. Understandably, I began to live my life by the standards of excellence. I kept my life in order, for I feared mediocrity and unproductivity.

Gymnastics played a significant role in developing this perfectionist mindset of mine. However, I quickly realized how difficult it was to maintain the standards of “flawlessness” both as a gymnast and a student. As I gained a deeper passion for the sport, it became clear that perfection did not exist.

I love gymnastics, for it has taught me to use my mistakes to become a stronger person and embrace imperfection. As I look back on my journey, I realize how much gymnastics has contributed to every aspect of my identity as a student, daughter, friend, and member of the community.

Beyond my extracurricular activities, I developed an interest in science which is by far my favorite subject. I have entered several international and national competitions such as the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (Science) which led me to compete in Baguio, as well as the Australian National Chemistry Quiz held annually by the Australian Chemical Institute.

Of these competitions, it was the Investigatory Project contest in school that was a milestone in my life. For the project, my partner and I developed an idea to turn potato peelings into biodegradable plastic that would benefit our community. The whole research lasted two years and as our project succeeded, out of the whole Junior High School department, we were awarded first place two years in a row.

Persistence and determination

I would not have been able to get this far if not for the lessons I have learned as a gymnast.

Gymnastics has taught me hard work, persistence and determination. Moreover, it has exposed me to a world of compassion and empathy. Gymnasts display a tough exterior, yet there is no doubt that every gymnast has experienced failure and turmoil.

I realized how many people have struggles they face behind closed doors. Due to this, I began to get involved in community service. I joined organizations such as Pink Lips and Magmahal PH. I became human resources director in Kaligaya PH and a cohead of my department in Yugto Philippines, wherein one of our first fundraisers collected P89,000 as a donation to public schools. These actions have truly changed my perception of life and have taught me the power of selflessness and kindness in our modern world.

Ultimately, gymnastics has led me to discover more about myself and my community. Now that school is officially over, I plan to continue my gymnastics and delve deeper into the world of Science this summer. I also aim to pursue my charity work for the less fortunate and possibly set up my own nonprofit.

The values I have gained from my life as a gymnast and as a student leader have helped me find my true passion, which is innovation and servant leadership. Through this opportunity to write as a student correspondent, I am able to share my talents and become a more active member of my country. I look forward to making a difference in my community one step at a time.

—CONTRIBUTED INQ

The author is an incoming senior at British School Manila. She finished junior high school at Colegio San Agustin Makati.