Being a person who likes to be on top of tasks, I have learned one lesson in particular: preparation ultimately leads to success. Preparation is vital to become the best you can be and also to achieve your highest goals. As a student, pianist, and an athlete, I have come to realize how preparation will help me succeed in whatever I hope and dream to accomplish.
As a high school student, I study a great deal. That’s because in order to be an ideal student, I must prepare. So I complete all my homework assignments and study for my tests. I organize my time in order to complete homework accurately. Ultimately, I prepare for the future and for the career I choose when that time comes.
Being an athlete also helps me to learn and prepare. Practicing a sport for a few hours each day helps to improve skills by overcoming weaknesses. Such preparation allows me to use the skills I have learned to play well – with fellow team members and especially at game time!
Practicing for a piano recital is another instance when preparation comes in handy. I have been playing piano since the second grade and I strive to be the best I can possibly be. In order to prepare for a piano recital, it is necessary to first learn a song and then practice it hundreds of times, because I cannot just perform a piece flawlessly the first time through. After such practice, memorization becomes necessary in order for me to perform beautifully in front of many people. It’s hard work, but preparing for a piano recital makes me feel confident and thus helps me perform well.
It is crucial to prepare and be ready for whatever comes your way. As a Roman philosopher once said, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” This means if an opportunity comes along and you have not prepared, you cannot realize that opportunity. But if you have prepared, you’ll be ready! My word of advice is to prepare as much as possible, and know what’s going on around you, so that you can take on any challenge. Doing so conditions both your brain and body, allowing almost “automatic” responses if and when challenges arise. Plus, preparation builds confidence and self-esteem. There is no better feeling than knowing that you have prepared well – and that if anything comes your way, you can nail it!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sarah Pearson is a student at New Palestine High School. She is quite possibly the most well-prepared student the happy owl has ever known!