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Perfection is Not a Solo Project

By Rina Takahashi, Grade 12
I think everyone has their own definition of perfect. The general definition of perfect is having all the required or desirable elements, qualities or characteristics; to be as good as it is possible to be. From this definition, I am guessing most of the people who are sitting here are not perfect.

I am not saying that it is bad. It is a good thing. We are always trying to be perfect, to be the best at athletics, academics, relationships, on social media (getting a Major S, being on Head’s or Chairman’s, do you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, how many likes do you have on Instagram…).

Challenging yourself to reach a higher goal is important. But did those people who have accomplished their goal or objective do it by themselves? If you think that, then you are on the wrong track. Can you have a perfect game or make a lasting memory by yourself? All of my great memories are of times when I was with my friends, teammates and my family. So my answer is NO. I do not think you can make perfect moments by yourself. Even Picasso or some great historical people who look perfect on Wikipedia or in books are maybe not as perfect as we think. They could not have come as far as they did without people around them and someone’s support.

The other day after the BCS basketball tournament, I was talking with Mr. Van Dyke about how great our team is. I think regardless of who you are, each person has their own strength and weakness. I am the shortest player wherever I go, so I always get blocked and I often miss layups. Well, I am not perfect, and that is why I need someone to support me and friends who will fight through the moment with me. I think my teammates do that perfectly. Their cheers, rebounds and steals give energy and motivation, and these things bring us together to make a perfect game and perfect memory. In those moments, I truly realize that I would not be able to play basketball without my teammates and coaches being right there helping and working together to make that moment.

Look around, I am pretty sure that you at least have one person who guides you to make right decisions and sometimes tell you the truth even if it is hard to hear, but they do it because they care about you and want the very best for you. If you didn’t have those people, you would not be as happy right now.

Be appreciative of those people around you. Do not be afraid to make mistakes, because you are not perfect, no one is perfect. Everyone at Stansted, whether they are teachers, friends, coaches or staff members, are here for you and want to help you make the most out of your time here.

I want to end with the quotes from Ms. Hessian. “Every piece of a puzzle is important and it does not create a picture without every single piece.”
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