MEMORIES UNDER THE LIGHTS KOBY NGUYEN

As a kid, Koby always felt like he didn’t fit in, but Koby always knew he wanted to play in the big games under the bright lights. Everything changed in high school when Koby started playing basketball for the RHS Boys Basketball team. The first day of tryouts when Koby stepped on the court, he was nervous and unsure of himself. As soon as he started playing, he felt a sense of belonging. He was part of a team, and they were all working together towards a common goal. As the season went on, he started to make friends with his teammates. They would hang out after practice and talk about the game. Koby felt like he had finally found a group of people who understood him. He felt like he was part of something bigger. Koby loved the feeling of running up and down the court, and he loved the adrenaline rush of making a shot. It gave him energy and a happiness that he had never really felt before. Another moment that sticks out to Koby was going to the football games with his friends. Being together under the lights and cheering for their team gave Koby a sense of community. It gave him a place to fit in. When there was a big play or somebody scored a touchdown, everyone around him began to high-five and cheer together. It was like one big community, and it changed his whole perspective of high school. Koby explains how, “going to the Quarry Bowls and the playoff games, the football and basketball games were super fun and it made me feel super connected to the school and the community as a whole.” Playing sports helped Koby become more confident and outgoing. he no longer felt like he didn’t fit in. Instead, Koby felt like he was part of a community. Koby has learned that sometimes, all it takes is finding something you’re passionate about to help you feel like you belong.