An End into a New Beginning
A look into where it all began...
Although I lived in Georgia all my life, a change of scenery in 2022 brought this chapter to a close. This new chapter would change my perspective. Moving can be unsettling as you reset and refocus, so I gave myself some time to find my bearings and get settled before exploring options for jobs and other opportunities. I found myself indecisive about what would come next. During those months of uncertainty, I missed being involved in sports and found a strong desire to translate my passion into coaching. I began talking with my mentor and old high school coach about the best approach to this new endeavor. Ultimately, this would consist of contacting coaches and talking to anyone I thought could help.
The next few months entailed writing and sending endless amounts of emails, hoping to find that opportunity in coaching.
After receiving rejection after rejection, no responses, and flat out “no’s”, I finally got my breakthrough. I was offered a volunteer coaching opportunity for Fall Cross Country 2023 in Georgia. I knew instantly that this would be a great opportunity to get coaching experience, and perhaps even a springboard for involvement in college athletics or Parks and Recreation programs. I realized a year had passed in Virginia without any sense of direction, so I said “Yes!” and packed my car. That first cross country season was short and uneventful, but it motivated me to look for another program. I found a cross country and track/field coach that was eager to have me on board. This position allowed me a chance to stay in Georgia for a whole year. Unfortunately due to cuts in funding, there was no potential of extending my stay into the 2024/2025 season.
Grateful for the opportunities given to me, I packed my bags once again and returned to Virginia.
May 2024 saw a new chapter unfold. That year in Georgia had me visualizing where I wanted to be versus where I was. As I reflected on the past year, I began to realize the expectations that didn’t go as planned. If you’ve never reflected, or done a year in review, I highly recommend taking some time over the next couple weeks to do just that. This article by Sahil Bloom shows that even if it’s only for 30 minutes, taking this time will transform your outlook on not only the past year, but the year to come as well. Doing this can highlight both the positives and negatives that lead to growth. Stop worrying about hypothetical outcomes because one choice, one decision, can change the whole trajectory of your life. Don’t live in fear of not capitalizing. Go out and turn your passions into reality one step, one day, at a time.