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Ashlynn Chatham

Mrs. Mua

Public Health English Honors pd 3.

4/4/19

Appreciate what’s given to you

Growing up playing years and years of softball I have been surrounded by many coaches,

teammates, and officials that will forever have a spot in my heart. Since I was 12 years old I have

been coached by Armando Arceo (aka Blue), who has been the one person I have looked up to

for 6 years now. He has invested many hours of hitting lessons, practices, tournaments, and

motivational Monday’s into me, and hundreds of other girl who commit their time to him and

this sport. Before I met Blue, I was just a young girl playing city league softball just having fun.

As the years went by I am currently a senior at Merced High school a 4 year varsity softball

player who is still being coached by Armando Arceo.

I know for a fact I wouldn’t be the girl I am today without knowing Blue, he has taught

me more than lessons on the diamond, he has taught me life lessons, to be wise, and to be a good

person on and off the field. I have learned to be strong, mentally and physically. There is no

giving up on his watch, you work hard when nobody's looking. Blue is very outgoing, witty,

dedicated, and a great person to be around.

Today, Blue is one of the only people that can push me to my limits and know how far I

can go until I can’t anymore. He knows just the right things to say when things aren’t going the

best, whether it’s in the batters box, school, or in life. He has pushed me to mentally be strong

and to push through any obstacles that come my way. As I have grown up, I have gotten wiser
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and I feel like our relationship has gotten stronger. I know that even when we are not in season I

can go to Blue with anything, or even just a hitting session in the garage to blow off some steam.

He always told me to work hard for what I want and always be the best that I can, and someday

It’ll pay off. I have truly believed in that and I will forever. He has done such amazing things in

his life, and climbed his way up the ladder, that is why I know what he tells me all has a meaning

behind it.

I am scared to leave for college and leave the game of softball behind. But I know just

because I am leaving softball behind doesn’t mean I am leaving Blue behind. He has already told

me “I am just a phone call away, no matter where you end up”. I am so fortunate to be able to be

taught from him and his experiences, he will forever help me make it farther beyond I could

imagine myself capable of achieving. Words can’t describe the amount of love I have for him,

and I can never repay him back for all of the things he has taught me and shown me within the

last 6 years.
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