WILL THE REAL BRANDON SMITHPLEASE STAND UPTHESIS STATEMENT.docxalanfhall8953
WILL THE REAL BRANDON SMITH
PLEASE STAND UP
THESIS STATEMENT
During my sophomore year of high school, I was definitely headed down the wrong path. I was disrespectful to my mother. I would always be short with my words or wave her off if there was something that I didn’t want to hear. At that time, Mr. Leonard started dating my mother. He was quite, but we found out very early that we had something in common outside of my mother and that was basketball. We realized we had a love for the game; however, Mr. Leonard would notice the way I would talk back to my mom and he made a deal with me. He basically made a commit to me, but I had to make a commitment too. Our agreement was that he would work me out and get me to a level that would increase my stamina, strength and vertical. He explained to me that he was the youngest of 8 children and that “respect” was owed to his mother in their household. He said his brothers would chastise him if he ever spoke out of line with his mother and he would appreciate it if I would not speak disrespectful to my mother. I never treated my mother badly, but as a teenager, I thought I knew everything and Mr. Leonard was right. I needed to “bite” my tongue. To this day, I always try to not back talk my mother or any adult in authority. Now, my mother receives great reports of how well she raised me and what a respectful child she has. My mother loves hearing praises of my attitude and honestly, I do too.
By the time my junior year in high school rolled around, Mr. Leonard was a huge part of my life. My mother decided to move me to a new school to get me away from old habits and unnecessary friends who had no desire to live right. School at Kennedale, was definitely a huge change. He came walking towards me one day and stated that we were going to start running. To run is the only way to keep your endurance up in any sport. Leonard enjoys running. Running is not fun to me, but I ran a mile a day. As soon as school let out in June of 2011, Mr. Leonard and I started a “two-a-days” program. Basically, we worked out 2 to 3 hours in the morning and 2 to 3 hours every evening. He had purchased a program off the internet that would increase my whole structure. I became stronger, my footwork was better and I could dunk the basketball accelerating high above the rim. When I first went up and dunked, I was shocked and amazed at myself. All the hard work, commitment and dedication had paid off. Mr. Leonard wouldn’t always workout with me. His swollen legs would keep him from working out sometimes, but he would always be there for me no matter what.
Finally, things started to change for me in my senior year of high school. I was the “big man” on campus. I carried a 3.0 grade point average. Suspension and detention was not an option. I had made a commitment, a deal with Mr. Leonard that I would walk the straight and narrow and he would always be at my side no matter what, to make sure I suc.
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