Paw Print Editor: Bri Robles
Every passing year brings a mix of experiences, both positive and challenging, contributing to our resilience. As college students, we often grapple with various struggles behind closed doors, not always sharing them openly. As we approach the end of 2023, it provides an opportune moment to reflect on these experiences, acknowledging the hurdles faced and celebrating the victories achieved. Striving towards a brighter future while staying connected to the present has been my focus this year. It has been a period of profound self-reflection and personal growth. Life, as often happens, doesn't always follow our meticulously laid plans. Despite diligent efforts and dedication, certain things might not materialize as envisioned; however, there lies the potential for growth in those moments. This year marked a significant achievement for me—I became the first person in my family to graduate college with a bachelor's degree. Embarking on the fall semester, I eagerly continued my educational journey by pursuing a master's degree. If I had to encapsulate this year in a single word, it would be 'resilient.' I've faced numerous setbacks, each serving as an opportunity for learning, reflection, and personal development. While I've encountered moments of feeling knocked down, each instance has become a stepping stone for growth. I acknowledge the tendency to feel sorry for myself, yet the truth remains that as long as I am granted another day of life, I am doing just fine.
College poses challenges not only for me but for countless other students. We confront a multitude of adversities—some visible, others hidden behind closed walls. Nevertheless, it is through facing these challenges that we find the impetus for growth and development. For students like Lucio Rios, college can be fraught with obstacles, such as falling short of credits needed for graduation. Life, at times, takes unexpected turns, and despite hoping to receive his diploma by the year's end, Lucio has faced periods where the temptation to give up loomed large. Nonetheless, he has persisted, consistently working hard, and presently remains steadfast in maintaining focus to complete his education.
For others, navigating the delicate balance between school, practice, and competition can prove overwhelming and challenging at times. Amidst these struggles, Vienna Lahner found a moment of resilience by dedicating time to prioritize her well-being and identify what truly matters to her. Dealing with the stresses inherent in her cross-country season, Lahner encountered health issues during particularly overwhelming periods of the semester. However, upon reflecting on these challenges, she consciously directed her focus toward activities that brought her joy. Discovering a harmonious balance in her life emerged as the key to overcoming the difficulties she faced this year. The importance of resilience lies in its ability to transform challenges into opportunities for personal growth, another student who had a moment of resilience was Morgan Hykes.
Cultivating the ability to confront challenges with strength and adaptability is a gradual process, particularly for student-athletes juggling the demands of academics and sports, both integral facets of their lives. Hykes shared how she grappled with learning to let go of disappointing races, emphasizing the importance of recognizing growth opportunities even when things deviate from our plans. Reflecting on the year, Hykes shared, “This entire cross season has been tough. When you are the fittest you’ve ever been and to not see it correlate in races is defeating. We got beat early in the season and going into nationals my biggest fear was that we were going to lose, and we did.” Hykes mentioned that after that, the entire team had to pick themselves up highlighting the central struggle of overcoming the tendency to not dwell on setbacks and shift focus from unfavorable moments. She mentioned, “Not only to put a smile on for the awards at nationals but to continue training for the upcoming race in Boston. Racing is so mental and after such defeat, it takes a lot of resilience from everyone to get back out there”. As athletes, the perpetual pursuit of becoming the best versions of ourselves requires navigating through the lows and showcasing remarkable resilience. Despite experiencing challenging performances, the determination to return the next day and strive for improvement is a testament to enduring resilience.
As we collectively reflect on the year gone by, the stories of resilience from Lucio, Vienna, and many others highlight the strength inherent in our campus community. Through shared experiences of challenges, lessons, and we emerge stronger, and more resilient than ever before. The reflections on the year 2023 from our campus community paint a vivid picture of resilience and growth. Each story is a unique thread in the rich tapestry of our collective journey. As we bid farewell to this year, let these narratives serve as a source of inspiration and a reminder that, in the face of adversity, our campus community stands unit, resilient, and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
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