People often overlook the smallest of things. Keys are one of the most common objects that individuals do not pay much attention to. They are used to open doors. I use keys in a different way. Keys symbolize the ability to enter the mind or open the heart, things that are more apparent in everyday lives. The heart is a place that must be protected and just as a key has its curves, the heart has a wall that may not be easily broken. Keys do not open everything there is a specific one for every task. It may fit into a certain whole but it will not turn. Only the perfect key can open that.
My uncle was a successful student but he was an even better teacher. He may not have known this but he was a father figure in my life. He taught me how to play baseball and how to take every approach and be prepared for the curveball, not just the one being thrown across the plate but the one that life throws at us. He taught me basketball, with that he told me always keep your head up and even if you turn the ball over get back and do what you can to get it back. You fight until the end and when that final buzzer goes off make sure you gave your all.
Albert Miramontes is a student at the University of California State Northridge. He is very involved in sports and is open to trying new things.