[Student Voices] Don’t Let Your Guard Down
Published: 23 Sep. 2024, 09:31
Chloe Hyowon Lee (Lighthouse International School, Grade 9)
by Chloe Hyowon Lee (Lighthouse International School, Grade 9)
It was a sizzling summer day. Since I was a ten-year-old kid, I wanted to go outside and have fun, even though it was burning outside. As I watched some girls riding bikes, I was amazed by how they could control a vehicle with only two wheels. I went straight to my parents and asked them for a bike. They were concerned about my age, but since I wanted the bike so badly, they got it for me. It had thick wheels and was the color of mint candy and hot pink gum. It was really cute, and I still remember it clearly. It was a bike that was not common to see, so I was really happy to ride it outside. After I got my bike, I practiced every afternoon.
Before long, I found myself riding an actual two-wheeled bicycle on my own. Since I was so happy to successfully ride a bike without training wheels, I let my guard down one night—and that was the most hurtful night ever. I was trying to go down a hill, and I accidentally twisted my ankle badly in the process. It was a pain unlike any I had ever felt. The pain went deep into my bone. It felt as though my muscles had been torn into pieces.
I realized that “letting my guard down” meant getting overly excited about removing my training wheels and not paying enough attention to safety. I was so thrilled about riding that I didn’t think about being cautious.
As time went by, my injury did not get better, despite the treatment I received from the hospital. Specifically, my accessory bone hurt. This is an extra bone that only 2-20% of the population has. It can go unnoticed throughout one’s life, but due to the bike accident, I tragically stimulated it. Now, I not only knew of the bone’s existence, but it bothered me every day.
A few years later, I got interested in rhythmic gymnastics. It was the only sport that truly captivated me. The music, rhythm, and flow drew me in completely. I was fascinated by how it combines stretching, muscle strengthening, and stress relief all at once. But it put a lot of pressure on my leg. During training exercises, we had to combine jumping and running, which were essential parts of the routine. I found it difficult because the movements required flexibility and strength in my legs, which I struggled with due to my injury.
Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to give up my dream of rhythmic gymnastics. I felt bad because I had so much fun doing it. The only good thing was my escape from the pain it caused.
Through this journey with my ankle, I learned how impactful one little mistake can be. It’s important to not only find joy in the present but also consider how our choices today shape our future. By being careful with our actions and thinking ahead, we can avoid a lot of problems. It’s important to think about the consequences of having fun or what might happen after we do something risky. Before I tried to bike down the hill, I should have thought about the dangers. Being more careful could have stopped me from getting hurt. It’s not just about the injury itself, but also how it affects my life afterward. By considering both the immediate and long-term effects of our actions, we can enjoy life without unnecessary risks.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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