By LOGAN WALTERS
Les Brown once said, "Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears."
The trick to following your dream is to overcome any fears that get in the way. Some people learn to conquer fear at a young age. I was 4 years old the first time fear interfered with my dream.
With my family all involved in soccer, I started to grown an urge to play the game. My dad played, my parents started the Mesick-Buckley youth soccer program, my brothers played and my parents coached and were even referees. In fact, during soccer season, our family dedicated every Saturday to the game.
I couldn't wait to be old enough to play. I practiced with my brother, my dad, older teams and even my mom. Four years old was the magic age to be able to play.
I was so excited when my mom could finally sign me up for soccer. I couldn't wait to meet my coach and show him what I could do. I knew the coach thought I was a star. I was the go-to guy. Then came the uniform, a yellow T-shirt. I was now a Hornet.
I had my shin guards, my faster-than-fast cleats and even my own soccer ball. I was now, finally, a soccer player. I even had a snack schedule!
I was ready to play. Bring on the other team.
Finally my first game ... I stepped out onto the field ready for action. There were my friends and teammates, the goals, the midfield, the other team and the referee. Everything and everyone was ready for game time.
But wait a minute.
Why are there so many people sitting on the sidelines? The sidelines on both sides were filled with people. I couldn't play with so many people watching me.
I told my mom I didn't want to play. I didn't want to be a soccer player.
She told me to be the best water boy youth soccer had ever seen.
I still went to every practice, working on my skills. I finally found the courage to play in front of all those people. Once the ball was kicked, I started running. I didn't even notice all the people.
I overcame my fear at last.
Now I'm a junior in high school and it seems like I have been playing forever. I still love everything about the game and being a part of a team, from putting on the uniform to running around with my friends. People still sit on the sidelines and watch and I still don't notice them. Once the whistle blows, the ball is kicked, it's just my team, a goal and the opponent.
I figure it's like Dale Carnegie said: "You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so, for remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind."
Don't let fear hold you back from your dreams.
Logan Walters is a junior at Buckley Schools.
