When I started playing ice hockey, I was a terrible skater. So, I took skating lessons every week, but I often didn’t want to go to my lessons – my Legos were more important. But every week my dad convinced me to have an open mind, and every week I had so much fun at my lessons. Now I’m a great skater. I believe that more people should try ice hockey.

But this isn’t really about hockey. It’s about being open minded. Open mindedness is important because if you are not open to new ideas, then you may miss out on things that you would have enjoyed or people you might have met. Being open minded builds character. You learn things about yourself that you wouldn’t have known otherwise. For example, I would never have known how much I love Reese's if I hadn’t tried them again.

My belief of being open minded has developed over my entire life. I have many hobbies such as hockey, chess, poker, and sim racing. I would never have gotten into these things if I didn’t even try them. There are other things that I have tried that haven't worked out, such as cursive, or tennis. These things just aren’t for me, but someday I’ll try them again.

If you've ever been to a foreign country, then you probably know that there are so many new foods that you could try. But if you just get chicken wings at every single restaurant, then you will never know about the amazing tastes and flavors that you missed. When I went to Mexico city, there were so many new and amazing foods and snacks available. Most of the food was really good, like the chilaqueles, but some of it was not, like the mole, and that's fine.

So, I believe that more people should play hockey, not because it’s the best sport (which it is) but because you should try new things. Not because you know you will or won’t be the greatest or worst at it but because it’s really about the experience and the people that you will meet along the way.