It was possible to still have hope and love
I am more than just an athlete. I am more than just a child thrown in the middle of a divorce. I am more than what people think of me.
When I was a nine and living in England my parents got a divorce. It was a bad situation to say the least, and it affected my childhood greatly. I was separated from my dad and had to move to California with my mom and step dad, only getting to see my dad once a year. Despite that, I learned through those difficult times that it was possible to still have hope and love. The distance drove us closer and I know real love and care because of him.
Its been the care of my family, coaches, and boyfriend that has led me to my soccer scholarship at Seattle Pacific University and pushed me towards my future. I am almost finished with my Exercise Science degree and from there I’ll go to Graduate school to become a pediatric occupational therapist. I am close to my dream and feel so unbelievably grateful for those who have helped me get there.
I feel like my experiences in life of being a big sister, having to take care of myself by working a lot, and dealing with family stresses had made me a strong, independent person with a drive toward my future. I have a passion in my heart to help others and try to make this world a better place-or at least as much as one person possibly can.
Often people see me as intimidating and standoffish even though that’s not who I am. I am a caring person with a big heart for those around me, but often these misconceptions cause people to avoid me. A lot of the time I get written off as just an athlete and not seen a person with real goals, real feelings, and real hurt just like them.
Throughout my life I have seen love and hurt, but in the end, I am just grateful for what I have. I am thankful to be alive and to be given the opportunities that I have.
