To say that my family enjoys sports is a slight understatement. A better statement might be that my family is crazy about sports. I've probably spent a good quarter of my life watching, discussing, playing, describing, analyzing, or listening to some kind of sporting event. Though I'm not quite as athletically talented as either my brothers or sister, I nevertheless find the world of sports both fun and fascinating. I have always enjoyed sitting in the stands, losing my voice to support the event that I'm watching. But I enjoy observing sports fans even more. i find it fascinating that fans get so involved in their team, forging a camaraderie between themselves and athletes they've most likely never met. Team sports afford average people the opportunity to act vicariously through superstars; thus, the bond between a fan and his favorite player or team is a strong one.
             For the same reasons, I suppose, i am equally fascinated by politics. People align themselves with candidates and parties in the same way sports fans support a player or a team. The deep bond between a person and her favorite candidate or party creates a distinct partisan line. Partisan politics evoke the passionate fan in all of us; we become enraptured, leaving reality in our fervor and support.
             I want to exercise my fascination with politics by studying and analyzing our government, but most importantly, by playing an active role in the political processes of our country. I wholeheartedly believe in the important role of the individual in a democracy, and as I continue through life, I will speak my mind and participate as much as I can. Eventually, I hope that my involvement in politics will positively influence the path of our country, promoting liberty, justice, and freedom.
             ...