Spending a few days in Colorado was a great opportunity to break out of normal routine. I got to catch up with old friends, connect with nature, and spend time just living without having to stress. I find that often times when I am overwhelmed it can be therapeutic to spend time in nature and reflect on the grandeur of the earth we live in. When contemplating the vastness of the universe, the minor inconveniences of everyday life seem quite insignificant. Although this outlook often gets lost in the hustle of day to day activities, I find it important to maintain perspective of what is important and that has helped me live a more purpose driven life.

Athletics have always been a huge part of my life. I played basketball and soccer from a young age and those experiences have shaped my attitude towards life as a competitor and in my work ethic in general. Although I love competing, looking back at my high school career I realize that what I appreciate most out of those opportunities is the relationships I was able to build. I strongly believe that you are, in large part, a product of those with whom you surround yourself. My teammates were individuals that invested into me as a person and sought to push me to be the best version of myself possible, on and off the field. As an upperclassmen, I was blessed with the opportunity to invest in the growth of underclassmen, as my mentors had done for me. Relationships are one of the most important aspects of my life, and I think that they are the greatest catalyst for growth.

Embracing the unknown…

Why do we fear what we can’t control? Although college is supposed to be a time of immense personal growth, it can be daunting to dive into new experiences blindly. Like most freshmen, I approached my first semester with tremendous excitement but also with a fear of the unknown before me. However, my experiences thus far have taught me that often times it’s the unknown opportunities that become the most life changing. I decided to apply to my scholars program and rush a business fraternity on a whim, and I can honestly say that those two organizations push me to be the best version of myself everyday. Being willing to form new friendships has connected me with people of different backgrounds and ideologies which has given me fresh perspective and understanding of differing worldviews.

This picture was taken during my time studying in Spain this summer. My friends and I took a weekend trip to Sagres, Portugal to see a place dubbed “the end of the world” prior to Columbus’ discovery of the “new world”. Peering out over the vast water, I could only imagine the unease that Columbus and his crew felt as they set off on an exploration that many believed to be impossible. Instead of fearing the unknown, those men plunged into an adventure that would eventually shape the world as we know it today. I want to challenge myself to continue to seek unknown opportunities, because I believe that those are the experiences that foster the deepest growth.