Self-Discovery Through a Priest's Questions

When I was thirteen I had to go for an interview for Confirmation at my church. I thought the interview would be a waste of my time, where I would be asked aimless religious questions, but I was indeed wrong. It began when I was asked a question by Father Michael, our priest. The question was “Who am I?” “I don’t know as of yet, I’m only thirteen.” I answered.

“Well then tell me who you are now, in fact, start from what you like to do? What are your hobbies…? But be as descriptive as possible.” Father Michael asked.

“Okay” I answered. I didn’t know where to begin. So I began the only way I knew how to, “I play the saxophone: I’ve played the instrument ever since I was in 4th grade till now.” However, I have told people this fact about nine

However, when I gaze upon the gleamy white snow crystals covering the Sierras, there is only one activity that comes to mind, snowboarding. It's one of the big things I’m good at. Feeling the snow-filled wind across my face, while skidding and gliding with swiftness across the white plains, my adrenaline sparks to unreachable heights. The pain I experience when I wipe out in the snow is unbearably, but at the same time it's almost like a metaphor for life. Whenever you fall, no matter how hard the fall, you have to pick yourself back up. This makes me both physically and mentally

Of course, in my case, there is no actual debate center where I can practice the art, but I do this whenever I get the time with my friends. The opportunities pop out of nowhere, and sometimes, I’ll sprout up the argument myself. For example, I’ll start a debate with Apple users in school about which device is better, “The Note 4 or iPhone 6.” Another example for my love for debating is during football season. My friends and I debate constantly about who has the best defense, and who is going to win the game. Most would say this is not a hobby, but if one were to see what I do in preparation for these sports events, you would have second thoughts. Additionally, I watch other people debate about these topics and use their words as quotations for evidence. Debating is, in other words, impromptu arguments that prepare you for the unknown evidence that could strike you at any moment.

In conclusion, my hobbies are extremely important to my well being. Snowboarding, debating, and comedy, provide meaning to my life, by improving my self-esteem, confidence, and perceptiveness.

“So did you learn anything from what you just described about your hobbies?” Father Michael asked. “Did you learn anything about who you are as a person? ” I thought for a while and then replied, “ Father, I did learn something. Right now I’m my own person. I’m a snowboarder, a comedian, a debater. I am defined not by the events of the future, but by the