LITTLE VALLEY: REFLECTIONS FROM A YOUNGER RESIDENT
My name is Noah. I am 10 years old. I was born here and I love living in the Comox Valley. I do a lot of sports and activities like hockey, soccer, jiu jitsu, swim club, and mountain biking, as well as tramp and tumbling. I really enjoy all of them.
For me, the word shine means showing up with enthusiasm and doing my best. I know there are always going to be other kids that are better than me. I think a lot of people see shining as the player who scores the most or the team that wins the game, but I don’t think that’s true for everyone. For me, shining is about effort and attitude and showing up and giving it your all.
I have been doing jiu jitsu since I was four years old. My coach at Goblins Martial Arts Academy, Adam Morden, says, “Your first stripe is the hardest because you don’t quit, and you stick with it and you don’t give up even when it’s new and people are better than you.” I think this applies to most things in life. Sometimes things are challenging, and you feel like quitting, but if you keep going, that’s when you really grow.
In sports like soccer and hockey, I like being part of a team. As a player, you don’t have to score goals to help your team. You can pass, defend, and encourage your teammates. Even if I don’t score the most goals, I still work hard and support others.
Last summer, I really wanted to be able to hit a specific blue jump at the bike park in Cumberland. I spent so many hours there, building my skill and courage to hit that jump. When I finally did it, I felt incredibly happy because I had worked so hard!
In all my sports and activities, there are often people who are faster, stronger, or more skilled than I am. That can be tough for me, but it makes me work harder. I’ve learned that what matters is that I show up and try my best. Whether I win or lose, I know I gave it my best effort and lots of enthusiasm.
Shining isn’t about being perfect. It’s about sticking with things, learning, and being a good teammate. You’ll eventually get that stripe, or score that goaI, or land that jump, if you keep showing up and doing your best. That’s how you shine.
