In April of 2013 I broke my ankle sliding into third base during a softball game. I had surgery that night and was sent home the next day in a soft case and instructions to not do anything for 2 weeks. No school, no friends, and the worst part: no softball. My broken ankle taught me how much I appreciated softball, but it also taught me so much more than that.

A few days after the surgery, my math teacher became my new favorite person. Unfortunately, I am terrible at math. My lovely teacher knew this and was kind enough to bring me videos of the lessons I was missing. It's almost 4 years later and I'm still looking for a way to repay him. I learned to never underestimate the kindness some people are willing to give.

Two weeks after my surgery, I got to go back to school. I walked in with my head held high and my leg held in a bright green cast. I heard the words "get well soon" more times than I can count. Opening twice that amount of doors and carrying a lunch tray is really hard when your crutches are digging into your armpits. People are strangely oblivious to things that make your life a struggle. I learned to always hold the door for those who can't do it themselves.

About a month after my surgery, I learned that time isn't real and "soon" was never going to come. Recovery is a long process, and I had to go through it watching my friends play volleyball while I had just gotten back from physical therapy. I had taken practice and teammates and coaches for granted. I learned to never complain about those thing again because, at that point, I would've done anything to get my hands on a ball.

The days went by and my ankle was healing. However, other parts of me were just beginning to fall apart. I didn't feel good and I didn't know why. GPA took a hard hit and I had no interest in going back to sports at all. I wasn't happy. I was diagnosed with depression and I learned that having a therapist is nothing to be ashamed about.

It's been almost four years since one of the worst days of my life. I put these lessons into practice just about every day. My math teacher is still one of the most important people in my life. I'm more sympathetic towards those who can't do things most others can. I try not to take things for granted (that is still a work in progress). I never doubt myself now that I know I can get through some of the worst days. Breaking my ankle was the worst thing that's ever happened to me, but it happened for the best.