Coach Advice

The Best Coaches

Contributed by Sarah

The best coaches, teachers, and mentors are always the toughest. At the time, they seem like the scariest, most strict people on the planet, but they're really the best influences you can find…

It all started with my first grade teacher; she made me read chapter books. While most of the class limped through The Bernstein Bears and other picture books, my teacher had a few kids take the time for extra reading. Every day, during recess or lunch we would tackle the second-grade books and the third-grade books, to become better readers. This wasn't fun and games—my teacher was strict and demanding. For instance, talking out of turn meant your name went on the board and five minutes was taken off your recess time. A check was ten minutes. I'll admit, I vividly remember my first-grade self scared out of my mind that I would get my name on the board. But I tried to come to class on my best behavior.

Looking back, I realize that what she taught me was more than just how to read. It was the fact that those people that push your limits aren't always easy to have around, but they forever mold your character.