Family First
Moving to the East Coast for academics made me realize the importance of family in my life and endeavors. Having a consistently supportive, loving family life at home made me somewhat take advantage of this blessing. My parents attended all of my football games and supported me through every tough decision; while this never went unappreciated, I never truly realized their pivotal role in my growth and success.
In 2020, I moved to Connecticut for a post-graduate year at Kent School. While it was a difficult decision between attending college as a regular student and continuing my athletic career, my parents supported my choice to enroll in high school for an additional year. The transition across the country was undoubtedly challenging for various reasons, such as watching my home friends’ positive college experiences through social media, but my family was an incredible support system.
Not only did I have my West Coast family’s support via iPhone, but I also had my East Coast side of the family that I hadn’t visited in over 5 years. My experience on the East Coast has allowed me to grow closer to them, and they have also demonstrated their support by traveling many hours to see me, delivering warm clothes for the winter, and reminding me that there is near support in this new adventure. The consistent, caring nature of my extended family furthered my appreciation for my loved ones.
Four years later, now a Senior at Wesleyan University, I still experience the same support from my extended family as I did when I first entered this new chapter. Particularly, during the toughest times in my football career, they would reassure me that they would stick by my side. Off the football field, they hosted me each year in Albany, New York for the holidays, a unique tradition that would’ve never occurred without the risk of continuing my academics on the other side of the country. Having these support systems has taught me the essence of taking care of the people I love, knowing they would do the same for me.
Family Love Reaction – 2024 Homecoming
