Regardless

Three years ago when I was just a freshman in high school, the busy spring season was approaching quickly. I was already preparing to play the saxophone in my school's pit orchestra for the musical that year, for state solo and ensemble, and softball tryouts were just around the corner.
It was only the second day of tryouts--a Tuesday. Adults were hitting pop-ups in the outfield as a drill. The drill was poorly set up, however, as two lines were formed in both the right and left outfields as the adults hit fly balls from the foul line towards center field. When it was my turn, I stepped up and the ball was hit. I turned and started to run back, but soon realized the ball was hit way too hard for me to catch. I turned around to run and get it... Then I recall waking up on the ground. As it turns out, when I turned to retrieve the ball, I ran into another player, my front teeth piercing her forehead. As one could imagine, I was horrified! My right front tooth was very loose and about to fall out. With the musical only four days away and state solo and ensemble a week away, I was furious!
After going to the dentist and getting my tooth fixed, I went home and to bed after taking the prescribed painkillers.
That Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, I performed in the musical. I also went to state solo and ensemble the week after and received a one (the best score one can receive), regardless of the pain and discomfort I endured. I was determined to do what I love--play music... and I did.

Submitted by Anonymous

Determination