The best lesson i have been taught, was through playing basketball, by my coach. His name is Steve Anderson, and to this day he is still my mentor, just as he was all throughout high school. Coach had always told us to put the team before anything else, as it was our responsibility, and mine more so as captain, to ensure that we were successful in our season. While always trying to listen to his words, i often didn’t give them as much meaning as i should have. The night came before a big tournament game, and coach pulled me aside to talk to me. He was aware that there was a party happening that night, and this was supposed to be the party of the year; the party that all the grads had looked forward to since the beginning. As captain, he asked me to ensure the safety of the team, and set the example so that the others may follow, and realize that our commitment to the basketball program and the team was far more significant than some party. While listening to his words and nodding along, my mind drifted and all i could think about was how amazing this party was going to be, and all the people that were going to come. While he put his trust in me, i didn’t fullfil his wishes, but instead set the opposite of the example, and partied more enthusiastically than the rest of the team, which only encouraged them to do the same. The next day we lost that game, and coach noticed the decrease in performance and could only guess why. He specifically noticed how my intensity had significantly dropped and took me aside once again. He looked at me, but no words came out, he shook his head and simply walked away. I was devastated. It was that day i learnt the true meaning of leadership, of responsibility and setting the example for those around me, who look up to me for guidance.