Home on the Court

To me, home is anywhere where you feel safe and can be yourself. For me, this is on the basketball court. I've been playing for three years now. Basketball reminds me of my uncle that passed away in 2016, that's something I like about the sport. When I am on the court I only think about him and the game; I don't think of anything else. When I am shooting and rebounding my mind reminds me of how he used to play. I compare who I'm competing against to the teams he used to play. Last practice, I was appointed Captain of the North Queens Community School Elementary Basketball Team. Anytime I'm on the court all I think about is basketball and how I am at ease. I don't have to worry about my family because when I'm on the court I know it's my time to shine. I got the first pick of the jerseys this year so I chose number four. The meaning behind that number is that number four was my uncle's number before he passed away. Now anytime that I put that jersey on I am reminded of all my positive memories of my uncle and family. This is my safe space to be who I am. I can be confident in myself and show I am a leader. Being captain this year will open new doors for me to build on my self-confidence and friendships. I hope to follow in my uncle's footsteps with his career in basketball. Whenever I am on the court I ask myself what would TJ do. The court and game have always been there to support me when I needed it most. My home is on the court where my uncle TJ’s memory lives on.