English Assignments

Personal Essay

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself. The bright lights of a stage shone down on me, and my hands sweat in anticipation. I smoothed down my shimmering costume, and took a step forward.

Doubt ran through my mind. Memories of people pushing my talent awaycredited to my sudden lack of confidence. I hesitated, before pushing those thoughts out of my mind, for a later time. I would not lose faith in myself. Readily, I looked up.

Hanging before me was a beautiful apparatus, one curved as round as the moon. I reached one hand out, to grasp the firm metal in my hand. The tape enclosing it made sure my grip was unyielding. I felt it lift, until it was above my head, my hands now just barely grasping on. Without hesitation, I engaged my arms, and lifted my toes to tentatively meet the bar. I elongated my legs and looped them softly over the bar.

I pulled my torso up to come to sitting on the metal, and took a deep breath, to steady myself. Positioning my hands between my thighs and grasping tightly, I closed my eyes, and leaning forward I flipped my legs over my head. I felt a rush of energy, as my instincts kicked in and I pulled my body weight up with my arms to reverse what I'd just done, and I sat once again. I continued in a series of advanced aerial tricks, mastered by a lifetime of practice, only muscle memory and quick reaction preventing me from falling.

I glanced down and paused, second-guessing myself. My audience saw the fear in my eyes and reflected it back tenfold with their own. I refused to think about my uncertainty and continued on my way. No way would I let anything stop me.

I felt myself being lowered to the ground as I hooked my heels on the bottom bar. Letting go, I performed my final feat, a grand finale to end my piece. I heard the gasps of shock and awe as I removed one foot and balanced solely on one heel. The pounding of my heart slowed, and I decided, once and for all, that I would never let another decide for me. From here on, I wouldn't let their doubts get to me. I would accomplish what I wanted and what I wanted alone.