4 Years Later, and I'm still here..

It was around January 2013, I finally got that letter I had been anticipating from my dream school of Florida International University. My dad graciously sat it on my bed asking me, “Do you want me to open it or do you --?” Before he could even finish his sentence, I ripped open that envelope and began reading what I believed what was going to be my future. My eyes scurried across that letter so fast, but came to an abrupt stop to slowly read that I had got in. I was screaming, dancing, crying, and laughing because I did not think it was possible, but it happened. Here it was. My future was set. I would continue out my education just as a student, and leave my basketball career behind me after high school…or at least I thought I would.

Two months later I found myself touring the campus at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Basketball was still trying its hardest to not let me forget it. I am not going to lie; I did not fall in love with Lenoir-Rhyne at first. I mean, I had Florida International to compare it to (which was in Miami for those who do not know lol). Nothing about LR screamed come to it, but I had to ask myself a few tough questions. One, did I really want to be done with basketball? No. Two, did I really want my parents to pay for my school when I had the opportunity to go for free? No. Three, if I were to play basketball, did I want to be a small fish in a big ocean or a shark in a pond? Shark in the pond it is. After those three questions were answered, I verbally committed to Lenoir-Rhyne to find myself back in the fall of 2013.

Believe it or not, I fell in love with good ole Hickory. I loved the small class sizes because my professors were actually able to remember my name. This allowed for them to be able to help me on more of a personal level, which facilitated me to excel in school. I loved how the community of Hickory comes together for the sake of sports or just anything that is going on in the city. I love how close we are to neighboring beautiful cities, so if Hickory is growing tiresome I can explore. I love the feeling of pride I have when I slip on a Lenoir-Rhyne University Women’s Basketball shirt, and someone stops me to say great game or tell me about his or her experience at LR. Mostly, I love the memories I have made, the lessons I have been taught, and the person I have become because of LR.

Looking back now, I would have never been able to experience one of my greatest memories of white water rafting and ropes courses at the Olympic Center. That day was filled with so much adrenaline and excitement. On that same day, I managed to create new relationships with people I never would have thought to, and build trust with every one of my teammates. I would have never been able to meet one my best friends who is just like my sister. We fight and bicker, but I know at the end of the day she has my best interest and will do anything for me. I would have never been able to meet one of my favorite coaches, who has continuously gives me real world lessons, and that motherly touch when I much need it. I would have never been able to meet my boyfriend who has never given up on me, and allowed me to be the person who I truly am. I would have never known true meaning of the saying, “it is bigger than you.“

My time at LR has had many ups and some of the worst downs including death, sexual assault, and failure; however, I stand here continuing to say LR is one of the best things that has happened to me. Even though I have gone through a lot, I can write my story like I am doing now to proclaim that I am 5x the person I was before I got here. As I come to an end of my blog post, I have leave 3 points of advice for anyone who is reading this:

1. Be flexible with your future because it will rarely go as YOU plan it

2. Do not let any obstacle you have in life change you or make you hard, unless it is for the better

3. It is bigger than you!