Staring at the ground, this is it I thought, letting out a huge breath to calm myself. Now is my chance. All I have to do is what I was taught to do. The reason I am here. Do the thing everyone wants me to do. Just simply step up and do it. I’ve done this a million times before and it turned out okay. I can to it again today. Even though it is my first time at this level, I have myself totally convinced that I am ready.

Then I look up and see the masses. I hear their bantering screams.

Now I question myself. What if I fail? What will I do if I dissappoint all these people? What will I say to them later? Terror is gripping my entire being and I have to shut my eyes to clear my mind. I shake my arms and relax my shoulders. I can’t go back now. I am here and I have to go on. I MUST go on.

I take the final step forward just as I hear, “BATTER UP!”