WAY Pilot Essay Contest Winner

WAY: The Greatest Me!

Once upon a time, there was a brave little doggy who went on an adventurous journey. But this isn’t his story. I’m not even sure why I brought that up. Sorry.

Have you ever felt like your life was lost, but then suddenly, someone hands you a map and you get back on track? Well, that’s how my life was: a minute ago, I was heading down the path of my life, but then, I took too many detours. WAY was the map that helped me get on track.

When I told my family about WAY, it kind of made us all think. I mean, when I was younger, about five, I ate healthy, I exercised with my family daily, and I was in such great shape, I could’ve been a supermodel! I had made plans for my future. You see, I was very smart for my age. I planned to have a boy and a girl, become a scientist, a director, an actress, a photographer, or an architect and write in my spare time. Now, I only eat what looks and smells good, sometimes I exercise, and my future’s going nowhere! I sent out an S.O.S. and WAY found it.

My dad has dropped out of the fatty foods like fried chicken and French fries. They’re good to your taste buds, but bad for your body. Now, he’s eating more salads (kitchen fresh), more fruits (5 different kinds a day), and (dare I say it?), more of those yucky vegetables! (I dared!) Since the weather is warmer, he’s decided to play more games with us, like catch, kickball, baseball, basketball, how many words can you find? And the Rhyming Game.

My older sister, Brittany, since hearing about WAY has been more concerned about her weight (as any teenager would), so she exercises on the bike in our living room any time she can. My little brother, Nate, wants to be just like his daddy, so he’s decided to eat everything Dad eats and practically do everything Dad does. By the end of the day, he’s exhausted.

I think I’m making the biggest change of all. I’m going back to my drawing habits. I think I’m getting better! When I was younger, I wasn’t much of a socialite. Quiet, shy, and a terrific listener are three words that would’ve described me. Now, I’m a very talkative person and at times I listen to what other people have to say. When I get to middle school, I plan to join clubs, chorus, and maybe band. Yup, my life’s goin’ great!

Let me see…I bet you’re expecting me to say “in conclusion,” right? Well, alright, I won’t disappoint you. In conclusion, I guess without WAY, my family wouldn’t be as well…as happy as we used to be! Thanks! Oh yeah! My class, Mrs. Robbins’s of North Georgetown Elementary, loved the WAY Exercise Motion Dance Video! Thanks again!

Marquetta Age: 11 North Georgetown Elementary

For WAY program information, call 866-532-7640

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