When I was in high school, I used to play table tennis with my friends. Initially, it started as a hobby in my free time, and I was trying to learn about basic techniques and different rules since I found it engaging. I practiced every day until a professional coach asked me to join his team, and without any doubt, I agreed.

After a short time, my parents spoke with the coach because they thought I should drop out of school. "She is a good player with an innate ability," the coach commented. I was considering giving up table tennis for a while and I had no idea what the next few weeks would be like. While discussing this situation with my family, I received an important letter, a message from my coach inviting me to play in an intercollegiate championship in Cuenca. As soon as my parents and I read the letter, we immediately accepted the invitation and were delighted.

Some time later, I felt ready to face my opponents. It had been a real challenge for me. By the time I competed for the first time, I had been training in table tennis for one year, but it felt like it had been ages. In no time, I had won three matches; my family was so proud of me, and I felt over the moon. It was like a dream come true. But not everything was rosy; eventually, I started to feel tired, and I told myself, “You can do it” .However, I lost that match. I cried like a baby, and I had never felt that way before.

Everything changed at that moment. I won a trophy and a silver medal because I had reached second place in the competition. All my friends and teachers were proud of me, and that became my real motivation to continue playing this incredible sport. Definitely, it was one of the best experiences that I will never forget.