A blog by Frank, aged 15
I didn't like attention drawn to myself in class. Unless assigned (指定) a seat by the teacher, I always chose to sit at the back of the classroom.
All these changed after I joined a sports team. It began when a teacher suggested I join a Ping-Pong team. At first I refused because I couldn't even play Ping-Pong. But the teacher kept encouraging me "going for it", so I decided to give a try.
Getting up the courage to go to the tryouts (选拔赛) was only the half of it. Luckily, I passed them. Before attending the practice sessions (练习赛), all the players need to know the rules of the game. I was the only one "new" at the game, so I decided to do my best at each training. Soon I knew the rules and the "moves". Being part of a team was fun and encouraging. With time, I learned how to play and made friends in the process. I never had so much fun and was so confident!
Now I have more self-confidence in myself. Every time I meet problems, my teacher's "going for it" rings in my ears.
