1 . “You are the only one who can handle it, Matt,” said Mr. Wolf, my fourth-grade band teacher, as he put the heavy tuba into my arms. I felt_______because I had asked for other band instrument, not the tuba. But I knew what he_______and he was right. In the fourth grade, I was_______a foot taller and 50 pounds heavier than any of my classmates.

Now I’m 6 feet and 3 inches and weigh 240 pounds. Since freshman year, my football coach has had only one_______place for me: the line. I had to be where size_______.

Somehow my size has_______me from any solo performances in music or sports. In fact, there is a(n) _______chance that a tuba player or a lineman will get noticed. But I seldom complain about my lack of_______because my size has benefited me a lot.

In school, my classmates formed a fixed_______of a big kid:that I was either an awkward fool or an annoying “tough guy”. I didn’t feel that I__________in either category. To correct their expectations, I__________to become athletic and even graceful. I made sure that I played well in all the sports I__________. I also joined in a ballroom dance class and followed it throughout high school, long after my friends had__________halfway.

My father used to encourage me to use my size to my full__________. He told me that I should take pride in myself.________, he lost his life on September 11, 2001. His death was a heavy__________to my family, but it helped me see my size from a different__________. During his funeral(葬礼), I tried to__________dignified and brave. I hope my calm and tall__________would comfort my family and give them the courage to make it through.

Looking forward, I know that my size will__________me to accomplish many positive things, whether in college, in a career or in just helping others.