Throughout my life, I had one dream I just couldn't let go of. I had a vision that allowed me the willpower to push forward when things weren't always going my way. The idea may not be original or unheard of to any degree, but like many kids, I had hoop dreams, a passion that has allowed me to develop into the person I'm today. As I grew up, basketball taught, guided, and left me on the path of a lost dream. As freshmen year of high school was soon to come, I was anxious and excited to represent the school that attracted me the most in grammar school, Marist High School. I knew freshmen year; I had to prove a point to myself and all the people who doubted me. As freshmen tryouts came along, I wasn't even nervous. I was comfortable and ready to work. As tryouts concluded, I could honestly say I left it all on the court, but unfortunately, that wasn't enough to solidify a spot on the roster. I was devastated, holding back my tears as all my friends got ready for their first practice. The best time of freshman year was when the basketball was over, and Track and Field (Track) was soon to begin. Track was different; I didn't have to prove anything to anyone but myself. Track wasn't just fun in the sport aspect of it, but the mental aspect of it allowed me to feel whole again. Fast-forwarding to my junior year of high school had to be the hardest academically and athletically. However, I went to every basketball workout with the mindset that I would make the team. Personal I believe my junior year was my best year at basketball tryouts. Nevertheless, I didn't make the team again. To add to that, I had a nagging knee all year, but I tried not to let that affect me. Overall junior year of high school track season didn't go as planned. At the beginning of my senior year of high school, I still had a passion for soccer, but I didn't make the team. So after soccer tryouts, my friends insisted that I join the cross country team, and that was probably the best decision I have made in high school as basketball season rolled around once again, just like any other year. For some reason, I felt like the game of basketball was against me and wouldn't let me prosper. At this point in my high school career, I was done crying and feeling disappointed about what I put my all into. In all honestly, reflecting on my basketball career so far, it seemed like my dreams were based on other realities like stars Derrick Rose, LeBron James, the Ball Brothers, and many more. The thought that I had first foreseen was only reliving a dream achieved by someone else. I had a weird feeling throughout the tryouts that regardless of what I would do, I was getting cut. It didn't matter how athletic, determined, nor how much effort I put in; I was getting cut. In fact, I did. Now once again, I was in the same situation of not making the team. But instead of feeling bad, I walked out with a smile on my face. I did what many people wouldn't; I didn't give up. I stood strong and determined regardless of the result. Through this whole journey, I realized that I could live with failure, but giving up on myself wasn't an option. With basketball lifted off my shoulders, I could now focus on my passion for track and field. Track made me feel whole again, gave me such positivity and self-encouragement with everyone having my back. Reflecting on the journey, it was a test, and that I had to prove to myself and find my self-identity. I had to learn how to overcome rejection and failure to find a purpose and passion that I admired. Quite honestly, it did not matter if I made the team or not; it was all about completing that hoop dream. I can't say in that hoop dream will be about basketball, but I can say in that dream I fought against all the odds, loss, and then reigned victories in the outcome of it all. From everything I have been through so far, a dream is not necessarily how you portray it but how you live it out.