To say this year was challenging would be an understatement. I have been tested, beaten, and triumphant over and over in the past nine months. Coming into school, I had the expectation that playing a college sport would be the highlight of my experience, which it has, just not in the way I could have ever imagined. I knew I had to fight to be respected, to play, and to succeed. I was not wrong. These past nine months have been an uphill battle, but I can honestly say it was worth it in the end.

Coming in and my sport’s season starting right away gave me an advantage. I already had 24 other girls I could count on from the first time I stepped on campus. We knew we’d be with each other for at least the next four months, and the 25 of us were in it together. My first fall season was an eye-opener. I had always been a player that knew her worth, and that was tested. I’ve had to work hard in the past to succeed, but the level of dedication and effort was something I have never experienced before. I had to rebuild my confidence, and prove myself over and over. At the end of the season, I wasn’t a part of the travel roster. I have never experienced something like that before. I felt disconnected, less than, not myself. I had to work, and push myself even harder. My first fall season was an eye-opener. I grew not only as a person, but as a player.

My relationships I’ve built here are unique and rare. We all share the same experiences and goals. Like any friendship, however, we don’t always see eye to eye. We make mistakes, bicker, disagree. We get tired of each other, and need breaks. But we’ll always be there. Our friendships are like waves crashing on the coast; even when we drift a part, we always come back.

When I needed a break, I found success in my school work. I found the time I spent by myself doing school work relaxing. I finished the fall semester with a 4.0, and have the opportunity to finish the spring semester with a 4.0, as well. In college, grades reflect the effort put in. As long as you try your hardest, attend class, and ask for help from you professors, you will succeed. The success I found, helped rebuild my confidence.

I faced a lot of trials and tribulations during my first year at college. Personally, in soccer, in the classroom. At times, it was hard to stay true to who I am, but I was able to. I find this my biggest accomplishment and victory. When people meet me, above anything else, I want them to walk away feeling like I am a good person. Before I got to college, I changed a lot in regard to who I am. I became a better version of myself. I believe I am selfless, sometimes to a fault, and will do anything for others. I feel as though I am a genuinely kind person. I am an unwavering friend, and only want respect and appreciation in return. I get hurt when I don’t feel appreciated or respected, and the way I’ve handled that hurt is what I am proudest of. I confronted problems head on, and face to face. I spoke my truths. And through all of it, I still stayed the selfless, kind, unwavering friend and person I started out as.

Being away from my family these past nine months, only made my appreciation for them stronger. I have always been close to my parents (all four of them), but our relationships only grew. They have always been there for me, no matter what the situation or time. They continued to encourage me and shower me with support. They let me speak my peace, even when I was wrong, and helped me to fix my ways and do the right thing. They allowed me to be independent, and become my own functioning almost adult. They molded me into who I am today, and they are the reason I am the selfless, kind, unwavering friend and person I am.

My first year a college was an uphill battle. There were nights where I was left in tears. There were many phone calls to my parents saying I needed to come home and get a break. There were countless struggles, and times where perseverance seemed impossible. But through all of it, I stayed true to me. I never backed down. And I can walk away being proud of my last nine months.