I was in the back of the map, lights were off and I was all alone. Smoke filled the room and I frantically tried to find the right exit. The neon arrows always lead me to the emergency fire exit. I thought birthday parties were supposed to be fun. I started to lose my composure as I was banging on the seemingly endless locked door that read Laser Quest in large red writing.

I was at my best friends 7th birthday party that was being held at Laser Quest. This was my first time going and I was pumped. For the week leading up to the party, all I would hear was how fun it would be and how everyone thought they would win. As soon as I walked through the front door and I thought to myself ¨I am not going to leave this place¨, the room was dark with neon lights, arcade games scattered throughout the room and my friends running up to their parents begging them for quarters. A worker then came up to me and asked me what I wanted to be called,  I took zero hesitation before I spit out ¨Cubby Monkey¨. When our game was called they escorted us to the loading station where they strapped us with huge and heavy lasers. Next thing I knew lights were flashing, my laser started beeping and people were running in all directions. My excitement took over me and I ran as fast as I could with no care where I was going. Before I knew it the game was over and I found myself alone and surrounded by massive buildings.

This event taught me how important and valuable it is to know exactly where you are at all times. This is a very essential skill to have. Ever since this experience I have always taken the time to map out how to get where I am going and more importantly how to get back. This skill is great because from then on whenever I travel on vacation I never have a hard time adjusting to the new location because I have gotten so used to planning out the best route. This event has also taught me how to handle myself emotionally. I used to get worked up and panic easily but now I know to take a step back, keep calm and think about my options. Having this skill helps me a lot because I am a pitcher and when a call doesn't go my way or a teammate makes an error I don't let it get to me. In doing this it not only helps myself make the next pitch but it also helps everyone around me. Whenever I find myself lost or upset I think back to this time and find a way to get through it.

As I was realizing I was all alone and lost that night at laser quest I realized how I never want to have this feeling again. This urge has shown me how to prepare for anything I might do. I may have been lost, but I am thankful for what happened. If this event didn't occur then I would not be who I am today.