Third Year: 2014-2015
A few days ago my "Facebook Memory of the Day" from exactly three years ago: High School Graduation Day. Not only was that a shock within itself, but then I stepped back and was amazed thinking about how much has happened in those three years: how many experiences and opportunities I have had, how much I have grown as an individual, how much I have changed my goals...even how during those three years, I have spent an entire year in New York.
"You will never be completely at home again. Because part of your heart will always be elsewhere. That is the price you pay for the richness of loving and knowing people in more than one place."
I spent fall semester on campus taking classes. After spending the summer away in New York on co-op, I returned to school with a renewed outlook and improved maturity. I began to seek out application of the course materials to my field of interest (sports biomechanics and technology). I now realized the importance of networking and branching out with my peers and organizations on campus. I found myself appreciating my friends and living arrangements more, for I had previously taken for granted their close proximity. Although I grew in my independence over the summer, I realized quickly how easy social life is while in school, how easy it is to make friends. Because I knew I would be leaving at the end of the semester to return to New York for 8 months, I tried to focus on living in the moment, enjoying the limited time I had with everybody before I left again.
This year, more than ever before, my athletic involvement began to conflict with academics and other extracurricular activities. For the entire duration of fall conditioning of track, I did the workouts alone. Quite often this was personally challenging, having to find the motivation within myself to hit the goal times, start the next rep, and push through the pain. Although track is a sport that has always required mental toughness and accountability, the circumstances required those traits to an even greater degree. In the end, though, the hard work paid off, as I ran the 7th fastest time in the indoor program history for the 1000m at the Indiana Meet before Christmas Break. (I did not compete the rest of the indoor/outdoor season due to co-op.)
This year, more than ever before, my athletic involvement began to conflict with academics and other extracurricular activities. For the entire duration of fall conditioning of track, I did the workouts alone. Quite often this was personally challenging, having to find the motivation within myself to hit the goal times, start the next rep, and push through the pain. Although track is a sport that has always required mental toughness and accountability, the circumstances required those traits to an even greater degree. In the end, though, the hard work paid off, as I ran the 7th fastest time in the indoor program history for the 1000m at the Indiana Meet before Christmas Break. (I did not compete the rest of the indoor/outdoor season due to co-op.)
Due to my curriculum schedule, I had a double co-op rotation for spring and summer semesters. I thought I learned a lot last summer being away 100% on my own for the first time (I knew a handful of people when I started college)..but those lessons were only the foundation for what I would learn this time around. From continuing to develop my independent living, growing my professional network, traveling for business, learning about small businesses and start up companies, to socializing in a new area, this experience reveals new life lessons almost daily. At the beginning of the term, I decided I was going to make the most of this time, and immerse myself in the Long Island/New York culture and life (check out the Global Studies experience I am doing while on LI!). I have been volunteering at an animal rescue shelter weekly, and through that I have met several locals, who are always offering suggestions of things to see and do. Since I wouldn't have assignments and tests to study for, this is the perfect opportunity to pursue a hobby I've enjoyed for as long as I can remember: photography. I have sought any and all opportunities to learn how to use my new equipment, such as taking introductory courses at a local camera store and seeking out things to document.
Even in the three months I spent in Long Island last summer, I noticed the interesting dynamics/culture of this region. It is a primarily Hispanic and Italian demographic area, of older and wealthy individuals. More than I have ever experienced, I am "out of place", being young, in-school, and Anglo-American. Thus, it has proven difficult to make friends (around my age, the older folks at the gym are always very talkative!). Thankfully, my co-workers are younger and not from Long Island either (we are from all over, including Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia). Developing relationships, as co-workers but more importantly as friends, has been critical to my positive experience in New York. Without the bonds we have formed, I can't imagine how lonely I would feel and how much more homesick I would be. Not only have we experienced "New York life" together, but I have learned so much about biomechanics, sports, and most importantly: life. Words cannot express how thankful for their friendship and appreciative of their mentoring I am.
Even in the three months I spent in Long Island last summer, I noticed the interesting dynamics/culture of this region. It is a primarily Hispanic and Italian demographic area, of older and wealthy individuals. More than I have ever experienced, I am "out of place", being young, in-school, and Anglo-American. Thus, it has proven difficult to make friends (around my age, the older folks at the gym are always very talkative!). Thankfully, my co-workers are younger and not from Long Island either (we are from all over, including Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Alabama, and Georgia). Developing relationships, as co-workers but more importantly as friends, has been critical to my positive experience in New York. Without the bonds we have formed, I can't imagine how lonely I would feel and how much more homesick I would be. Not only have we experienced "New York life" together, but I have learned so much about biomechanics, sports, and most importantly: life. Words cannot express how thankful for their friendship and appreciative of their mentoring I am.
Looking ahead to the upcoming year, I would remind myself to enjoy every day and live in the moment. I can't believe how fast these first three years have already gone, and with only one year left of undergraduate, I would tell myself to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Due to my experiences in the past year, especially living in New York, I see myself as a much more independent and confident individual, both personally and professionally. I also am more appreciative and aware of the cultures and history of the community and how that influences my experience. Knowing I can handle almost any obstacle or situation that I may be faced with gives me confidence in making my decisions about post-graduation plans. I am currently conflicted about pursing a graduate degree or working in industry after graduating, but my experiences give me confidence that not only will I excel in either path I chose, but either path will present itself with unique opportunities and a path to success, however I chose to define what my success will be. Thus, the main goal I have set for the upcoming year is to establish my own personal definition of long-term success.