The Home Stretch to the Finish Line

By: David Cardenas

This is it — my last article for the paper. And honestly, it feels kind of like the last stretch of a race. Tired legs, full heart, and everything you’ve got left.

Adams State has been my second home for the past six years. Every semester, I would roll back here from my hometown thinking, “Here we go again!” And every year, I’d arrive with the same attitude — ready to grind. I’ll be honest, it’s hard to explain how much the San Luis Valley has meant to me. From classes I stayed up late studying for, to lifelong friendships and unforgettable moments, this place has shaped who I am.

I came here as a kid who just loved running. I had no idea what the next six years would look like. What I got was way more than I ever expected. Yeah, the classes were tough. Life got hard sometimes. Sure, there were moments I wanted to give up. But I realized I had a choice: let it break me or prove to myself that I could get through it. And just about every time I chose to keep going, I got stronger, not just as a runner, but as a person. I wouldn’t say that I’ve turned into a whole new person, because I’m not. I’d say I’ve been molded into the best version of myself today.

Six years later, I’ve accomplished and earned a lot of the goals I set. Some of my favorite memories are lining up at the start of a track race and earning All-American at Adams State. But beyond the races or medals, the most meaningful memories are the small things — hanging out with my teammates, the silly things we did, getting into trouble here and there, and the times we all pushed ourselves toward a single goal. We laughed a lot. We struggled a lot. But we always showed up for each other. That bond we built on this team is something I’ll take with me forever.

To the younger students — enjoy it while it lasts. Learn to stop and realize that these moments won’t be there later in life. Not every day will be a calm, 70-degree day in Alamosa. Because without the days of 40-mile-per-hour winds, the nice days aren’t appreciated as much. Growth doesn’t happen when things are comfortable. All the hard times, all the setbacks — those are the moments when you think, “I can’t do this,” and those are the moments that mold you. Just don’t quit. Be the person who keeps showing up.

I won’t lie — this is a finish line I don’t really want to cross. But every finish line is inevitable. Adams gave me a place to grow, a team to fight for, and a second home I’ll always be proud of. I’m thankful for every single person who’s been part of the ride. Coaches, professors, friends, teammates — thank you for believing in me and pushing me.

This is my final lap here, and I’m leaving it all on the track. Thanks for everything, Alamosa!