Challenges and Accomplishments

By MISHA KEYVANFAR | Junior Reporter

In 2019, I faced many challenges and turned them into accomplishments. There were many things that weren’t easy, but I got through them and have benefited in so many ways.

I have had accomplishments with friends, running, writing, starting a new school, getting good grades and making good choices. Two of my most difficult challenges turned into the biggest accomplishments.

First, I had an argument with one of my best friends. Let me tell you, having an argument with a best friend is not something enjoyable. There was a lot of anger, hurt and resistance holding me back from talking it out. I was in a state where I felt like maybe I would never talk to her again.

After a while, it was hard to bear with others involving themselves by coming up to me bothering me about what happened and mean looks shot around. My teachers talked to me about her, referring to her as my best friend, not knowing we are in an argument. Yet, I missed her and realized that having a good friend is very valuable and I need to be courageous to save our friendship.

I decided I was going to get over my resistance and hurt. We agreed to meet and talk. After talking for two hours and listening to one another, I had my best friend back. That was quite an accomplishment.

I also learned a lesson: I learned that it is important to keep a good friend and invest in a good friendship, even if it means overcoming obstacles, because a friend is a big part of your life and if you invest in one, they may be there your entire life, supporting you.

My next challenge and accomplishment was in the running field. Leaving fifth grade, I was not the fastest runner; my sister, on the other hand, has gotten a medal at almost any event she has run. She motivated me and took me on runs herself.

Once I came to Paul Revere, I got the chance to run a mile a minimum of once a week. I pushed myself to another level that was extremely difficult and took a lot of effort, and I ended up improving every mile. I joined the school running team, and got extra practice and training.

I still have a lot to improve, but I am proud of improving by about two minutes and getting a medal. I learned that if I put my mind on something and put in all my effort to excel, maybe not right away, but with persistence, it will definitely excel. I have a goal to get a mile under six minutes and 30 seconds in the winter of 2020.

In 2020 I plan to push myself to excel in more and follow my heart to do what I am meant to do. Some people may say “Happy New Year,” but I know that even in the new year there will be challenges to face and at some points it won’t be happy, but if I make the right choices, life will be better than it was before the challenge.