This Second Place essay in the "20 and under" category of the Sentinel's Millennium Essay Contest offers an Olympic hopeful's perspective on the "kingdom of heaven" here on earth.
Did the holiday season leave you with extra pounds—on top of the pounds you never got around to losing last year or the year before that? Instead of trying merely to shed weight, maybe a better approach is to shed distorted views of yourself as being unfit, undisciplined, out of control, unattractive. Read how the author was led to a whole new view of himself—not to mention a new look.
From lousy grades, little athletic ability, and a tendency to quit — to improved grades, an athletic award, and successful completion of college. Learn what turned the situation around.
