The Summer Camp That Changed My Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Summer Camp That Changed My Life

Reflecting back on the Ultimate Training Camp one month later.

7
The Summer Camp That Changed My Life
Quinn Bezenah

About a month ago, I boarded a plane heading to Denver, Colorado, full of nervous anticipation. My final destination was Colorado State University and the Ultimate Training Camp, a week long camp put on by the Christian organization Athletes in Action, where college athletes learn to apply their faith to their sports. After watching highlight videos and hearing the powerful testimonies of people who had gone in the past, I was incredibly excited, but I was also a little scared. What if everyone else felt it - that mountaintop, life changing experience - but I somehow left feeling as if something was missing? I can be a little shy and apprehensive when faced with new situations, and I was worried that I would get in my own way. I prayed that God would open my heart and mind to whatever wonderful things He had in store for me that week, and now I'd like to share a couple of the truths that stuck with me the most.

I think most collegiate and professional athletes (and musicians, actors, or writers for that matter) struggle with the need to constantly impress other people with their performances, and I am no different. Even if I don't consciously acknowledge it all the time, I want to run well to prove to my coaches and teammates that I belong competing at the Division-1 level. I am concerned with earning a spot on the conference team, and I want to be thought of as a strong, smart, and talented runner. Oftentimes, the person I most want to prove to my worth to is myself, and I can be a pretty hard person to please. Camp reinforced a truth that I had heard many times - that God accepts me no matter what I do or how well I do it - but that week was the first time I truly felt it. When you begin to define your worth by what God says is true about you and not what the world thinks, you feel free. I've noticed that as I've started to get back into running coming off an injury, my inner dialogue has shifted from one of anxiety to one of gratitude. Instead of thinking, "Oh no, I'm so out of shape, I'm probably so far behind all my teammates", I find myself thinking "I'm so grateful for the ability to run pain free and be back doing what I love."

Another lesson that the UTC staff taught us was how to "reset", or refocus ourselves whenever there is downtime in competition or practice. Most of the campers found that it seemed natural to try not to dwell on our mistakes, but it was harder to reset when we were winning or on top of our game. I personally struggle with this, as my first thoughts after crushing a workout or running a new personal best in a race are usually along the lines of "Wow, all my hard work is really paying off." While it is important to be proud of myself, it is more important to remember who my ability to run comes from. Whenever I accomplish something great through running, it is God working through me, and I believe that we are meant to use our successes as platforms from which to serve His purpose. I think one way I can do this is, again, by being thankful. God led me to an environment where I get to be taught by an amazing coach and train with extremely talented teammates so that I can maximize the gifts that He gave me. I still want to be happy for my successes, but hopefully moving forward I can keep in mind that my triumphs are not my own doing and that I should not be so quick to give myself all the praise.

On the way home from Colorado, I was overcome with this urge to share what I learned with others, but sometimes it can be so hard to describe an experience that has had such a profound impact on me, so I hope my words resonated with you. I'd like to thank Athletes in Action for making this incredible week possible for me, and, of course, my UTC family.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

9728
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

4302
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3152
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2835
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments