Sturgis Curling Club Reflection

The Sturgis Curling Club was probably one of my favorite activities so far. I have never curled before in my life, but I knew a bit about the sport from watching it in the Winter Olympics. All I really knew was the basic point of the game; I was clueless in regard to the rules. Of course, my main goal for this activity was to learn the sport of curling and hopefully develop into a decent curler. I hoped that if I was able to achieve these goals, I would prove to myself that I could develop any new skills, really, and be successful in any new activity that I began. These were the perfect goals and they were certainly not a stretch. I think I achieved both of them, which makes me feel very confident with myself. I learned the rules of curling, learned the techniques and the strategy, and I am proud to say that I became a fair curler. This success can be applied to every aspect in my life; if I can succeed in something as foreign as this, I'm confident that I will be able to in nearly every new undertaking.

Learning how to curl was a very difficult process because it was so strange to me. This learning process shows how I met learning outcome 2, which is undertaking new challenges. Curling was a new challenge that I had to overcome by educating myself in the sport. The first few meetings we had were dedicated to mastering the essentials. We had to learn how to get our balance on the ice, with the sliders, and practice the basics. Mary Colacchio taught us all the curling terminology and then we began to try the sequences. We learned how to throw and then how to sweep. Both activities were rather difficult. Throwing requires balance combined with perfect strength and speed. Once we figured out how to throw, we had to work even harder to figure out how fast the stone should be, and where exactly to aim them. The entire process was very difficult, but it was great to develop these new skills. Not only did I meet learning outcome number 8 this way, but my education and subsequent development in curling really showed me that I can learn the basic skills necessary for anything.

In this way, the activity was very valuable to me. Not only did I ascertain this important idea that I could learn and be successful in anything, by I also learned the attribute of teamwork. This also was essential to my success. There are four people on a curling team, and at any given time they all have to work together to win an end and perform well in the entire game. The thrower, the two sweepers, and the skip all have to communicate and get the stone thrown and the job realized together. This teamwork met learning outcome 4, working cohesively with others, and it showed me that as much as I depend on my own skills, collaboration is essential to success.

I also showed myself that determination and perseverance are very important attributes to have not only in curling, but in all aspects of life. I stuck with this activity and only missed a meeting if I absolutely had to. This commitment and perseverance not only applied to my attendance, already meeting learning outcome 5, but it also applied to my efforts on the sheet. As I continued working with others and learning the sport of curling, I became aware of strengths and weaknesses, meeting learning outcome 1. I realized that I wasn't the greatest sweeper, but I also learned that I was a good thrower. I continued practicing with my sweeping, but to take advantage of my success in throwing, I undertook the job as the skip of my team in our final meetings, and I did really well as the anchor for the team. I was able to direct the shots, working on aim and speed, and also finish the game to my liking because I was in immediate control of the final two stones. This was fantastic for me because I was able to show myself that I can be outstanding in a specific subject area to the extent that I can act as a rock for my team. Having people depend on me and fulfilling their expectations for my performance was a great feeling, and it really helped my confidence.