When I was in fifth grade, I transferred to a new school.
My previous school was in a densely populated neighborhood in Macau. The school playground for 1,500 students was the size of one basketball court. The school banned students from running in the playground at all times except during PE classes.
When I first walked into Colegio Dom Bosco, I was stunned: there were eight basketball hoops, a soccer field, and an indoor gymnasium. My new school allowed students to play sports anytime: before class, during recess, during PE, during lunch break, and after school.
You must be joking.
A religious society called the Salesians of Don Bosco managed the school. John Bosco, the society’s founder, was an Italian priest who dedicated his life to poor youth in Turin, Italy, in the 19th century. Bosco believed play must be an integral part of education, and sports should be available to all.
I didn’t know anything about Don Bosco then, nor did I care. All I knew was that I played basketball four times a day. It was heavenly.
On the other hand, my mother wasn’t too pleased.
Many mornings when I walked out of the house in my ironed uniform–a white shirt, white pants, and a maroon tie in the winter–my mother reminded me that I was expected to be home by 4:30 pm sharp. She said I’d better get on the first available bus after school. I nodded.
School ended. My friends inevitably asked, “Game?”
Sure, why not. I have time.
When I walked into the house at six o’clock, panting, my mother was furious. The buses were full, I said, and there was traffic. She pointed to the dark ring of stain that had formed around my collar from sweating. When I looked down, I noticed my white pants had turned gray. My black leather shoes had scuffs and scratches. I smelled terrible.
But I didn’t care. I was having the best time of my life. That was far more important than keeping my uniform clean or getting home on time.
