No matter what sport you participate in, the day will come when you play your last high school game. All the games, daily practices, and team activities will eventually come to an end. All sports have some period after their season where practices and workouts are stopped but they always come back soon enough. But as a senior, they stay tucked away as memories and never actually come back.

I find myself in this position now that basketball season is over. For four years I have gone to practice every day after school during the season, to my games, or done preseason and summer workouts. But now that is over for good. I’m not going to be a college athlete, so my motivation to train or keep working myself is very low. I’m what many people call a ‘NARP’. This stands for a non-athletic regular person, or someone who does not play a sport.

Being a NARP for only two weeks has made me feel a mix of emotions. I miss the bonds I had with my teammates and all the work we put in together, but I also love having as much free time as I do. With great free time comes great responsibility, however. So far in my two weeks bringing a NARP I have not been very productive; however, I have plans to fill my free time with productivity and entertainment in the coming weeks.

One of my biggest goals as a NARP is to get better at golf. I have really taken an interest in golf recently and despite my lack of skill, I’m dedicated to getting better. That leads me into my next free time filler, which is my job I’m going to work. I’m actually planning on working at the Woodhaven golf course. This will be a productive use of time that will also bring in some money. Last but not least I plan on going to the parks to play basketball and hit the gym. These will keep me in shape and healthy while still keeping my basketball skills sharp.

While being a NARP can feel really bad after four years of playing a sport, I think it’s important to remember we have to move forward with our lives post sports. Having all of this free time has allowed me to focus on so many opportunities and I think all people who find themselves in this position should allow themselves to do the same.