Chills of excitement floated through my body as I lied in bed trying to fall asleep one night in the year of 1997 when I lived in Korea. Visions of the plays I memorized and the pressure I felt to win my first soccer tournament prevented my rest however. I could not suppress the anticipation I felt for my first soccer tournament. Forcing the disturbing thoughts from seeping in and overcoming my body and mind, I tossed and turned in bed. To this day I still wonder how I slept at all that night.
             I slept halfheartedly and uneasily as those nervous thoughts crept into my defenseless mind, distressing my tranquil body. As soon as I heard the door slam open, the smell of my dad's aftershave filled the room. My dad hovered above my lifeless body and yelled, "It's your big day today, wake up!" My dad's enthusiasm ran my anxiety out of the room. His eyes were sparkling with excitement, knowing that his son would be playing in one of the most prestigious soccer tournaments for his age group. My dad seemed like a child himself. He couldn't control his loud booming voice from all the excitement. Even with all this excitement, he made sure I was ready both physically and emotionally. He suddenly became very quiet, sat next to me on the bed and sincerely asked, "Arvin, do you want to do this?" I could tell he was sorry for not being able to attend my big game. Perhaps, that's why he was being unusually friendly with me that morning. However, seeing my dad's eagerness and support, I was filled with a new determination to get on the field and win!
             Adrenaline began flowing through my veins as I sat down to eat a quick breakfast. My heart kept pumping harder and harder with each minute that passed, until I heard the beats in my own ears. The loud honking of the bus came and I quickly gathered my bag and ran out to the bus. As I got on the bus, I was hit with an over-energized ...