Me, Myself, and I
How you ever had something so terrible happen to you that it destroyed your entire day? I have. My name is Keanna Tingle and this is my heroic journey. In an attempt to spike the ball during a volleyball game, I landed on my ankle the wrong way. I was fine, that is until I made it home. I went the whole game undisturbed. The pain was minor, but two days later the pain had increased and my life was a mess. I felt as though someone had literally shoved a needle through the heel of my foot.
It all happened at E.X.C.E.L. Academy for Teaching and Leadership. This horrible experience occurred in the Auditorium building located at 730 N. Pulaski Road. The gym, decorated in black and gold colors, sparkled. The floors that were freshly waxed shined and the bleachers that usually held our Spartans logos were covered by anxious anticipating legs. The old net had been replaced by a higher, tighter one and the expression on my team members faces was remarkable.
Volleyball season started at the end of August, and it was really warm and humid outside. The leaves had not turned colors yet and everyone was wearing shorts and tank tops. It was a time when air conditioners were on full blast and a swimming pool was the place to be.
During and after the games were unbearable. The gym smelled of wet, soggy feet. The people smelled like a mixture of must and sweat. Everyone running around trying to get home and the pungent smells in the atmosphere sometimes gave me tremendous headaches.
To this day I still remember the expression on my coaches’ face when I gathered enough courage to spike the ball. The wrinkles in her forehead, the grin on her face and her jumping up and down screaming “put some cheese on it ‘cause I want it” will stay with me forever. Not only was she proud of me, I was proud of myself. At that moment I was the happiest person in the world and then came the tragedy. I came down from my jump too hard and too fast and some how twisted my ankle at the same time.
While injured I was forced to sit out of my next volleyball game. The pain I felt during the game bypassed my ankle and headed straight for my heart. I felt like someone was taking my heart and was shredding it to pieces. Although I lost time on the floor I gained something so much more.
By experiencing this situation I was able to sit down and get to know my coach on a more personal level. She told me about her love and dedication to the game. She told me how she played volleyball during high school and college and now as an adult how she takes time out of her busy schedule to teach it. Now that I think about it my determination and obsession with the game is motivated even more.
I would describe myself as a nice and giving person at times. Everyone has their good and bad days. My walk defines me, it always changes. If my walk is plain I’m bored, sad, or emotionless. If my walk is fast and hard I’m upset or have a lot on my mind. But, if there’s a twitch in my hips and a bounce in my stroll then more than likely there is a smile on my face and cheerfulness in my voice. I believe in non-violence most of the time. Sometimes you have to be forceful and evil hearted to get your way. I enjoy getting my point across to people. Who doesn’t?
