To start my Senior Speech, I think it’s very important to get to know me. My name is Phoenix Cai, or Wei Cai from my Chinese friends, or “Little Chicken” from my football teammates, and I want to talk about my funny nickname first. The first time I practiced football in RHP was super difficult, not just the physical body training, it was at that first practice that I earned the nickname Little Chicken. I was mad and felt bullied, like a monkey making a fool in front of people for a bit of food. After that day, my teammates showed me a picture of “Chicken Little”. I saw a silly cartoon chicken with big glasses but I felt happy because that was my first English nickname, and that chicken left a good impression on me. But to be honest, I think I really fit this nickname. I was absolutely a rookie and new on the team. Can you imagine a Chinese player, wearing glasses and running on the field, trying so hard to understand the game but really it didn’t work well. Yeah, that was me.
Why did I join the football team? The reason why I joined the football team was because I thought football is a cool sport. I also thought it would make my summer more fulfilling and happier. But when I joined the team, I realized that it was not like this at all. First, I had no idea how to play football or the rules. I rarely watched football games before, so I was confused during practices. I also had to study Geometry before the training, which was extremely hard for me since it felt like my brain had lost its function before I even got to the field. The first month on the football team was harsh and difficult. Each time I saw the difference between me and my teammates, I thought of quitting, felt like I’m not part of the team, perhaps never, but I didn’t give up. Even though training was difficult, it was the most meaningful summer vacation I have ever had. I didn’t spend too much time on computer games or Tiktok, which I normally do, and also I exercised every day to get a healthy body. The coaches taught me so many things when I felt lost, and they motivated me when I wanted to give up playing football.
I still remember one time when I lost the passion to practice because I couldn't catch a single ball from other teammates. The gap was like a mountain that pressured me to death, but the coaches came and talked to me, and said not everyone is perfect in life. They taught me to be humble and respectful. My coach said, “No one can let you down, including me or yourself.” I still remember it was August 4th in the afternoon when he said that to me. The sunlight burned my skin but ignited my passion. I think I would stop playing if the coach did not find my true thought. With the help of my teammates and coaches, I went from rookie to “little chicken” and a three-month rookie. In the end, I learned not just the skill and rules of playing football, but also a positive attitude for living and studying on campus. Many people ask me, what can you learn from football? Perhaps violence? In my opinion, I think football or other sports really can help people to achieve their goals and make them better people. During games, I found my personality, and my teammates helped give me a totally different view of myself. They helped me see my weaknesses and how to improve them. They taught me that I can achieve anything if I put all my effort into it, and to try to make each day fun and positive, without a phone or computer to distract me.