As I have been too focused on school and homework, I obviously paid little attention to extra-curriculum activities. I missed the fair where students can sign up for clubs, so I thought practicing a sport would not be possible. Little did I know I was wrong. I went to the café français, a social gathering where the aim is to speak French. I met there an International student from China that I already knew from Early Arrival, and somewhere during our conversation I learned he was heading to the badminton club afterwards. My interest was particularly aroused and he suggested that I came.
At seven o'clock, we arrived at the gymnasium. I was surprised to see that ¾ of the space was for tennis courts. The rest was for badminton. On the one hand, I was eager to play again but on the other hand, I realized immediately how bad I was. As I had not touched a shuttlecock for at least six years, I knew I would be rusty but I did not expect to be that terrible, regarding simple basics such as catching the shuttlecock (in whichever possible direction) and serving. Naturally, the more I know the trainer's attention is on me, the more anxious I get. However, the atmosphere was friendly so little by little, I became more relaxed Fortunately, after about thirty five minutes of practice, my body retrieved the badminton skills it had lost a while ago. The trainer and the pal I went with were both surprised, the latter said “wow, you learn fast!”. The thing is, I have just forgotten!
For two hours and a half, I did have fun playing. I kept laughing and encouraging my teammates and even when I made mistakes I took it lightly. The other players were also nice. Basically, I was the only girl (out of ten people) but far from being a problem, it was very enjoyable. Even when I had P.E at high school, I preferred being with guys for I always found it more challenging and thought they seemed to be more into sports (whereas the girls would be more lazy about it). Overall, I was definitely satisfied of this experience that I am going to renew, now that I know badminton club takes place three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Practising a sport is the best tool to release stress thanks to the endorphins. Contrary to jogging, it feels you have an aim when doing it. What I mean is that the goal is to fight and ultimately win against your opponent, so you know why you have to put so many efforts into it. Whereas jogging bored my brain out, as well as being exhausting. Whenever I gave jogging a try, I would end up being even more hopeless. In my case, I do not last very long before I am out of breath or get a stitch. Besides, what is the point of running? You only go straight ahead, and that is it, basically. B-o-r-i-n-g. When playing badminton, I did not see time fly, and although I had played non-stop for two hours and a half, I did not feel tired.
Living on campus and having so many facilities close to me is definitely a plus. As an addition to that, it is free, so I am pretty happy about being able to play a sport I like, for not only does it make you feel better but it is also health-friendly.
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