By Aseel Barghuthi,

"Do you want to play basketball forever?"

Those were the only seven words with the power to turn me away from the basketball game I was watching. They were the words of my 10-year-old cousin.

"Umm, yeah, I guess." I was caught off-guard and the implications of the question scared me.

What comes after basketball? I've been playing for five and one half years, and never for a moment have I taken the time to ponder just how much I was willing to give up, "for the love of the game."

Just a couple of weeks ago I was shooting some hoops at my beloved rim, and my brother came down to join me.

"Do you think I'll make it to the pros?" I asked him, taking another shot.

"Uh, I don't think you'd want to be a pro at that point in your life," he said.

"Why not?" I stopped dribbling.

"Well, 'cause it takes a lot to be a great basketballer."

"So?" I snapped back. "I'm willing to compromise a lot of things."

He smiled as he drove off on his scooter. Needless to say, I missed every shot after that.

Two weeks ago, I was chatting with the head of the Physical Education Department. "Do you think I can play Division I college basketball?" I asked.

He shook his head dubiously and stated that, "its tough," and, "you need to work hard."

I then took the liberty of telling him that he'd be the first to know when I made the team.

What he said hurt in the worst way.

Perhaps I've finally reached the cross-roads of my life.
Left: depart from lah-lah land and return to reality.
Right: Pursue your dreams.

Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right,
                                            Right, Left,
                                                 Right.

Skepticism and doubtfulness surround me, but that just gives me the determination to pursue my dreams. You should never ever let anyone cause you to doubt yourself, or your abilities. I've been told by several people in the past that I don't have the height (well, I'm not seven foot if that's what they mean.) And I don't have as great a chance as other girls because I live abroad. (So? I'm still an American citizen!)

I smile at their comments, although it stings inside. But then I realize
that a lack of faith will get me no where...
Because when it all comes down to it,
there's no way I'm letting anyone
steal my basketball dream.

Poem of the Day:

Steal them not, just let them be,
They will become reality.

kEeP oN pLaYiNg...
#68

To contact Aseel with any comments or suggestions, e-mail her at aseel@index.com.jo