Don't Give up, Fight back

             It’s already the end of October and hard to believe how much has changed in about 2 weeks. Going back to Vegas was a great experience and I cannot wait until we go back again. The Terry Fator organization has given me so much knowledge and so have the peers I have gone with. They always say once things are going well something is bound to happen and that it did. I tore my ACL again in my right knee along with a lot of other things.
          To some, this may be an indication to give up and to stop playing soccer. It’s funny when someone asks me if that was the end to my soccer career and usually I just laugh. I’ve been surrounded by people ( especially the girls in my house) who never give up and that’s what I plan on doing. The ACL- Anterior cruciate Ligament is the ligament that holds your knee together.
         Last year, at around this same time I had torn my left one and thought it was the end. I had never had a bad knee injury up until then and I had no idea what to expect. I went through with the surgery, painful rehab, and found my way back to the field. Although there were many struggles, each time I stepped on the field made it all worth it.
          Then, it happened again and I wasn’t sure what to think. I’m still having a struggle in my mind about what’s going on but I know that there is some sort of plan for me as to why this happened. I’ve never wanted to give up soccer and as it dwells closer to the end of my playing days, I still can’t imagine ever stopping. Many athletes have the same mindset as me and that is why we love the game so much. I plan on working hard, although i’m dreading the rehab, and getting my strength back.
          As for right now, I already cannot wait to step on the field again. I’m getting way ahead of myself but in my life, i’ve always been taught never to give up. Either it’s never give up or I’m just too stubborn ( you take your pick). I think when you give up that’s the easy way out. I’m sure we have all had our struggles but those struggles are what makes each person unique. Last time I torn my ACL, I was given something in disguise. I fell in love my major and made some great friends along the way. This is not how I intended for this season to turn out but I know that something good will come out of this and that’s what keeps me smiling. In the words of Winston Churchill, “ Never, Never never give up.” I already can’t wait to play next season.

Buffs, Bulls, and Vegas

             Well this week has definitely been a whirlwind and it’s already Tuesday. Although it was homecoming week back at WT, women’s soccer did not get a chance to participate because we were away for soccer. The result of the weekend is definitely not what we wanted.
            We came out with a bad loss against MSU on friday night and then got rained out on Sunday. The results are not what we wanted and I feel that everyone is ready to fight back. We have injuries, and no one is particularly healthy but I think that our team is ready to bounce back. We have a goal, multiple goals, and we are ready to achieve them.
           For the Amarillo Bulls we had a board meeting yesterday and found out what our next challenge is going to be. It is based off a point system. We get a different amount of points to hand out posters, flyers, schedules, sell tickets, and coasters. This is a new approach to get the Bulls name out there and it is going to require some serious action. We ( the Blue team) needs to get out in the community and make them aware of the Bulls as well as try to sell merchandise to them. It is definitely a challenge we are ready to take on.
           This week I also had the opportunity to be a Transfer Student Mentor. I applied for the job, interviewed, and got offered the job all within two days. I don’t know exactly what it will entail yet but I am super excited to be able to help kids through the process I went through transferring. I hope to make the transition a little easier for them.
         Lastly, The BuffMinds teacher and student group are heading out to Vegas again this morning. We are missing two of our important faculty members Lori and Dr. Browning but we are sure to put what they have taught us to use. This time is phase 2 of the research. In the summer, we conducted a series of Man on the Street interviews as well as after the show interviews. This time we plan on doing the same thing and hoping to get a better look at the different audiences in the summer and the fall.
         I promise you when I say, it is a lot of work. People think Vegas is all fun and games but this time I really feel like it’s business. We don’t want to let the Terry Fator organization down. All of the students and teachers on this trip work very well together and I am very excited to see what this round of research has in store for us. I am also looking forward to the end product of all this and being able to present in front of some Terry Fator execs. For now, Viva Las Vegas!

You don't choose your family.  They are God's gift to you, as you are to them.  ~Desmond Tutu

    This quote can really describe how I feel after this last weekend.  For those of you who know me, I have kind of a confusing family. Divorce has happened and I happen to have a huge family on both of my sides. While all sides of my family mean so much to me, I have taken that for granted sometimes.

                I always joke with my parents (my step dad and mom) about how I didn’t really appreciate everything they did for me until I left for college, but it is so true. All the little things like cleaning up, and cooking me dinner, and taking me to and from practices has all made me who I was. At times (okay, I’ll be honest), most of the time, I got scolded but it has made me a better more determined person.

            When I was 7, my little sister came into this world and she has got to be the most special little girl in my life. I cannot imagine how I lived without a sister for seven years. I think at times she is actually more mature than me. My brother who I have grown up with is the complete opposite of me.

                Growing up, my brother and I fought about everything. We would fight over dust if we could. Today though is a different story. He calls me about everything and I call him. I make it a point to not just call my brother but talk to my family everyday. No matter how mad they make me, or how busy I am, I can always find time to talk them. Although I do not see my other siblings as often or my nephew, I still know that they are all there and they love me. I’m still trying to get my nephew to say Julia before he says my sisters name although I don’t see that happening.

                  I have also come to realize that it is not just who raises you or blood related to that is your family. In a sense, you can choose your family. To me I have a lot of families. I have my WT family, which would include my soccer teammates, my teachers who have helped me a long the way (you know who you are), and my friends here. I also have my family in New Jersey and friends there at my old school, my friends at home in San Antonio from high school and my friends and family all over the world.

                 When I stop to think about how blessed I am to truly have so many people care about me, it’s overwhelming. This past weekend, I got to hang out with my “family.” For the first time in a long time my brother, sister, my mom and dad, and I were all at the same gathering. They all attended their first WT soccer game (with me playing this year). It was such a great feeling to have them in the stands and to know how much they support me. Along with them were a few friends and mentors I have had along the way to come and watch me and catch up with me at the end. This weekend was so great in the fact that I got to spend time with a lot of my family members: My team, My family, My mentors and my friends. Family is around you everyday, people who care about you and want you to learn and grow as a person, you just have to take time to realize it. Thank you to all who have made me, who I am, and continue to help me along with way.