Evans Construction Scholarship

It was a gorgeous day outside as I stared out over the green competition field. The energy was palpable as members of my high school marching band frantically moved equipment into position before running to their own spots. For my part, I’d just finished helping line up all of the flags for the color guard section before taking my seat on the sideline. I made eye contact with each of my color guard teammates, my gaze briefly sliding over the spot where I would normally be standing on the field. I gave them an encouraging smile before the music began and the performance was in full swing. I participated in color guard for four years. By the time I was a senior, I was a captain determined to have my best year of marching band yet. However, life is unpredictable. Halfway through that marching band season, I started having health issues. During the weeks where my health was at its lowest, I was unable to actively participate in several color guard practices. It would’ve been easy for me to stop coming to practices altogether; however, I knew that I’d made a commitment to my team. Even though I couldn’t actively demonstrate the choreography, I was able to help in new ways. I spent more time watching the rest of my team. Because of this, I was able to give them each personalized help. I offered words of encouragement and positive critiques to help them become better performers. Even though these practices weren’t necessarily “productive” for my own color guard skills, my participation in them let me make my teammates feel more confident and prepared. They showed me there are multiple ways to lead. Eventually, I got my health under control, and, by that time, competition season was just beginning. I was thrilled by the idea of getting back out on the field and competing with all of my teammates. Throughout my illness, I made sure I memorized every beat of the choreography. I knew our show like the back of my hand, but knowledge can’t always replace experience. I hadn’t anticipated the difficulties that would come with integrating myself back into the group. I didn’t have the muscle memory the rest of them had. I realized that if I competed on competition day, there was a strong possibility that I would be the weakest link on the field. I approached my coach and asked if she would be willing to let me sit out for that particular performance. She agreed that it was the best option. As much as I wanted to be out on that field, I was willing to sacrifice my own performance time if it meant that my team had a better chance at success. While it may sound cliche, I believe that my experience is best encapsulated by Mark 12:31, “...love your neighbor as yourself.” This experience taught me that when you are a part of a team, you are a part of something bigger than yourself. Watching all of them succeed was the reward for me. As my health improved and I rejoined my teammates on the field, I used the lessons I’d learned from my experience sitting out to connect with my teammates and improve my own leadership skills. There is a great value in actively helping and encouraging other people just as Jesus told us to. Not only does it benefit the people around us, but it makes us into the people we were called to be. In my case, God shaped me into the leader that was needed for my community.