For the Love of the Game

        I never thought I’d be writing about this day. Or the day that I’m dreading that is going to happen in about 3 months. Soccer, to me, is easily the most beautiful game in the world. It draws thousands and brings people together for one common cause of winning a game. The players are tough, the plays are beautiful and when the game is played right, it is astounding.
        Growing up, I was around soccer all the time. Both of my older brothers played and my dad was the coach. I used to play with the boys teams all the time because I always wanted to be like my older brothers.  I can remember being in the backyard having my brother pushing me away and telling me to push him back so I can get the ball. It wasn’t until I got older, that I could actually knock him over.
         Playing when I was little was always fun. I played soccer with some of my best friends and I began to love it then. These were the days of orange slices at half time and the tunnel at the end of the game when you won from the parents. Sometimes, I wish we still had tunnels.
         In the beginning of high school, I made my parents buy me a soccer net. One of those really cool nets that bounced the ball back at you every time you shot it. From then on out, I had a routine that I would practice to make myself better. I would run everyday and then go out in the back yard and practice for hours. I simply just loved the game.
        During this time, the first women’s national team with Mia Hamm had kept me inspired to play soccer. These were the girls that I wanted to be. I used to have North Carolina signs all over my room because that was my dream. I also wanted to be a professional soccer player. I used to have school papers that had “Dream Job” written on it and on that line would be “Pro soccer player.” Like any other girl that age, I was a big dreamer. I still am but with a little more sense in me.
       People who knew me during high school know I gave anything for the game. My senior year when we lost in the State Semi-final game, I sat on the field for about an hour after, not wanting to leave. I stayed in my uniform that whole day. That’s how much pride I had for my team and for the game.
       When the time came to decide if I wanted to play college soccer, there was never a doubt in my mind. I wanted to follow my dream. I knew that playing at North Carolina would probably never happen but I knew I could play division one. And I did for two years until I found myself transferring to WT.
      This is when the whole game changed for me. I transferred because I loved the game so much that I wanted to play at a school that was a better fit for me. Never would I have imagine that I would be in the position I am today, having to fight for this last season.
       First day of preseason my first year at WT I tore my left ACL. Life was over as I knew it. I had to realize that this really does happen to people and that no matter how invincible I thought I was, I wasn’t going to be playing that season. For six months, I worked as hard as I could. In the training room day in and day out until I was able to step on that field again. Being able to play again gave me a new appreciation for the game.
       So I started my second year at WT. This year was a struggle because I knew I had a lot more to work for coming back from injury. About 10 games into this season, I tore my right ACL along with a lot of other things. Now my life was sure over as I knew it. This recovery has been the longest and the hardest. There hasn’t been a day that is completely pain free but when you’re a college athlete, I don’t think there really is. I played around with the idea of quitting. I think for a while I wanted to quit. In my mind though, I knew that I was stubborn enough to try and play one more season.
     There was one instance exactly that helped my decision. It was during the spring and I was barely able to run. Outside on the track, I was watching my team practice and we were helping out with a camp for little girls. I looked at these girls and realized they were me, years ago. They loved the game for the simplicity of just playing it and having fun with their friends. As a college athlete, it’s our mentality to treat our sport like a job, forgetting the fun and why we really loved the sport. As I stepped on the field that day with those girls, I knew I wasn’t quitting nor was I giving up in the fight to play.
       10 months later, I am one day from starting my last preseason not only as a college athlete, but as a soccer player. 18 years ago, I decided to play this beautiful game. So in 24 hours, full of a little doubt, a lot of nervousness and excitement , my last preseason starts. I don’t think it will be easy. Training twice a day for two weeks while fighting for a spot isn’t exactly a walk in the park but I know I have a goal in mind. I know God has given me the ability to come back and play and will place me in the right mindset. Playing for Him will be one of my greatest glories this season. Two years ago when I came to WT, I wanted to make an impression by playing. I wanted to finish out my college career not only ready for a real world and a job but also knowing that I didn’t give up my fight that 10 year old Julia would have wanted. I’m ready to push through the pain and to not give up this season. Three months from now, I will be a retired athlete and I want to look back and know that I didn’t give up. Fall seven times, stand up eight. This has been one heck of a journey as an athlete, and I’m ready to finish it the way I started, loving every second of this game and enjoying the time I have playing it.

Time Passes, Nothing Changes

            It's crazy to me that so much time can pass and so many things around us change, but at the same time, everything stays the same. You know those people who you could not see or talk to for months but then catch up like you saw each other five minutes ago? Well, I have been blessed with these kind of people in my life.
           I'm two days back from my trip to the northeast and I've fallen back into my routine of working and working out and getting ready for the semester ahead. In the last week I have traveled to New York City, Brooklyn, Long Island, Philadelphia and different parts of New Jersey.
          Two years ago, I lived in New Jersey and went to school at Rider University. When I left, I was worried and sad that I was leaving my friends behind me and a life that I loved there. Fast forward two years and it was surreal getting on the plane. Pulling into Newark airport, I was like a little kid in a candy store as a viewed NYC out of my window.

          In the last week I have seen friends who I haven't seen in years. Some have managed to make their way to Texas and others I have seen when I visit family in New Jersey but this trip was different. When you only talk to someone on the phone for such a long period of time, you forget what a special bond you had and still have. It amazes me that with each person I saw, it was like nothing had changed between us.



         The girl I've known since kindergarten and I were able to visit a new place together and make new inside jokes. My old college roommate and I still gave each other a hard time and told old stories, a few friends talked about our old coach and living on campus and one friend and I were still acting silly and playing pranks just like we used to. I am so thankful for all of these friendships everyday.
          I not only got to see people I haven't seen in years but places as well. I know that everybody has at least one place in their life that bring back those nostalgic moments. Those moments that you can almost live in when you go back. It's like hearing a song and being right back in that memory where you first heard that song. This was quite possibly my favorite part of the trip. These places hadn't changed either. I was still riding the same train I rode two years ago to visit my cousin and best friend at their school. Riding the same train into New York City just to walk around times square for a day.

       There was, however, the harsh reality of also trying to find my way around new things, like the subway. Let me tell you that I cannot tell you the different between the A, B, C,D , E ,F or G line on the subway, if those even exist. I also had to take a bus to Philadelphia where our first stop was the Liberty Bell concourse area and I thought I saw the Liberty Bell when in reality it was a church bell ( can you say blonde?) All of these new experiences made for new memories though.

       Although so much is different with our friends and places were live, nothing really changes when someone means so much. When you finally do reach your new destination, it's all about the new memories and the new people that you meet. I can say that with a year left until I venture into my  unknown future of the adult world, I am both excited and scared. I'm ready to make new memories but I love the ones I've already made.

Another Year Down

       I can’t believe that I just turned 22. I literally felt like it was two weeks ago that I turned 21. It’s so crazy how a year can change things. I’ve definitely felt very blessed in this last year. And, just like any other year it was filled with ups and downs.
    As this summer is coming to a close, I really can think of how this summer and the jobs I’ve recently gotten into are setting me up for a future that I can’t wait for. Working at the High Plains Food Bank has been so rewarding. I’ve gotten to see how the work I do can help change lives and help feed people. It’s great to hear the stories of people and all the different struggles they go through. Makes me so grateful for my life and the position I’ve been put in.
    About halfway through the summer I was hired as Marketing Director for Jump-N-Jive. It’s an inflatable playground here in Amarillo. Now before you laugh, it’s actually a lot of fun. I have definitely gotten my fair share of work. I did not realize how much work is put into having your own budget, making and following up on phone calls and corporate meetings. I can definitely say I understand why people in this industry are the way that they are after having this real-world experience.
    At 22, I couldn’t imagine being in a better position. I’m closing in on my final year in college and my final soccer season. 10 months ago, I was taken out of the game again, for the second time and it’s crazy to think that I get to step back on the field again after surgery. When I thought about quitting, I would step on the field and remember why I played: because I loved it. That’s something I’m realizing while watching the Olympics, how much passion I have for my sport and for being competitive. 2 weeks until my last pre season as a college athlete after playing the game for 18 years. That’s insane.
    I have been so blessed not only this summer but with this life Christ has lined up for me. I have realized that when I drop my own plan to follow His, it works out a lot better. I’ve been super involved in FCA ( fellowship of christian athletes) and I love it. It has definitely shown me that everyone has their own struggles and it’s how we deal with them, that make us different.
    I’m fortunate enough to be able to visit New Jersey/New York this next week and I am so excited. It doesn’t seem like it was two short years ago that I had left Rider for West Texas. I cannot wait to visit my friends who I’ve been able to keep in touch with. Those are the friendships that I know are truly special and I’m ready to see my future home (NYC baby!) I cannot wait to see what’s in store for this next year, but I’m ready. Here’s to another year of life!

The Kids Table

        I’m sitting here about 10,000 ft in the air, probably more, but I’m terrible at math. I’m reflecting back on my vacation, that now, seems like it went by in the blink of an eye. Growing up is something we always get talked to about, and the experience of growing up happens over a certain amount of time. I’ve experienced growing up in the last year with my friends, with my job, with school and recently learned how it affects family.
        Rewind seven days ago and I’m on the flight to North Carolina with my sister, mom, dad and myself. Usually, on family vacations, my brother would be with us but he recently moved to NYC so he’s meeting us there. This was the first evident change, of many , that I realized have spawned the growing up period of my life.
        Our Gambuti (my step-dads side) family weddings have always been a large affair. Having 4 uncles (including my dad) and 3 aunts, the family tree gets spread out into a large amount of people. Not that we ever minded, the more , the merrier. After the wedding, the reception seating was upon us. My brother , sister and I were placed at what we dubbed “the kids table.” Making a joke about this , we walked over to my parents table where they were with my grandparents and a few aunts and uncles. My dad said  something that I didn’t really think about until now. He said “Ya know, the kids table is really the cousins table and let me tell you, I’m happy I can still sit at a table with my parents as their kid.” Wow. It kind of hit me.  I’m too busy making a joke about my kids table and never really even thought to think that my grandparents are indeed, getting up there.
        As the night goes on, I think about the differences in 10 years ago , to today. My grandpa can’t walk as well as he used to, the dancing with them is to a minimum, even at the beach, my grandpa couldn’t get in the water from being unstable on his feet. That’s not to say, they both don’t have the mind of a 20 year old, because they do. They nag each other like they are newlyweds but then again, they know each other so well which comes with age.
       Growing up, our family used to take one big vacation to seaside heights (the once known family vacation spot now know as the spawn of the Jersey Shore party scene.) On these vacations we’d all be in the ocean, walk the boardwalk and drive up together. Now that we’ve all “grown up” in a sense, families separate out on their own vacations. Cousins (just a few years older than me) have created their own families. I never took the time to realize these differences until they were apparent in my face.
       Even the usual family beach vacation was different for us. Normally, we would have all of the siblings and my parents. My brother was missing because he returned to NYC after the wedding and I almost couldn’t come because now I have my own job(s) to tend to. Thing are different now and we are growing up. My sister and I were able to spend some quality time time together the three days we were at the beach, but even then, I realized how much she is growing up when she exclaimed “I get my drivers permit in six months.” Really? She’s only 4. Nope, she’s surely 14 going on 15.
        In the past few months, I’ve had to say goodbye to some friends who moved, change jobs and realize that going home only comes two times a year now. All of these are tell-tale signs of my growing up but also the people around me. I often am so wrapped up in my fast-paced life that I don’t take the time to realize that the important people in my life such as my grandparents, parents , siblings, aunts and uncles and cousin are all growing older to. Seeing them once a year is not something I wish I could extend for weeks. Growing up not only means a change in myself but also the others around me. I don’t think we realize that as we get older, so do the people around us.
         This vacation was not just relaxing but a reminder to myself to cherish the loved ones around me because their time is limited. All of our time is limited. I am proud to say I’m a proud member of the  kids table if it means I’m still around my cousins and my parents are still with their parents.

                                              *I told them to smile, this is what I get

Goodbye is Just a "See you Later"

           Goodbye- such a strong word. Goodbye can mean a few different things. It could mean, “I’ll see you later today” or “ See you tomorrow.” In this case, I’m talking about the kind of goodbye where it’s an “i’ll see you later, much, much later.” We’ve all grown up around goodbye but I think the older we get, the more we develop, goodbyes become harder.
          My first stint with goodbye came when I had to say goodbye to my childhood friend, Polotimi. Now, I have no idea where she is today, or what she is even doing but let me tell you this, my four year old self was devastated. Even then, I already didn’t like goodbyes.
          Fast forward a few years, or about six and I’m leaving California to move to Texas. Now, most who know me now, know I love Texas. This was not the case 11 years ago. In California, I met a friend in kindergarden who became a sister to me. We were inseparable all the time. Our parents joked that “we were trouble.” I still remember saying goodbye to her like it was yesterday. Sitting at the pool, it was our last day in Cali and I cried and cried. I think I  may have cried halfway to Texas. Oh, I’m sure my parents really loved me that day.
        Jump to middle school- the time when I was 13 and I was right about everything. No questions asked. As I sat in my 8th grade math teachers classroom, she read us “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” and she was crying. We all were so happy to finally be ready to go to high school. It wasn’t until later on did I realize the meaning of that book.
        Four years later, I land signing one of the most important pieces of paper in my life. I signed my life away to Rider University to play soccer. At that moment I realized my comfortable life in Texas would take a big shake when I moved across country to New Jersey. I couldn’t have been more excited, my parents on the other hand were terrified. Saying goodbye and graduating were sad for me but also so exciting and I knew that I would stay in touch with my friends from high school and for the majority, I did. I've found with goodbye sometimes comes the exciting feelings for new adventures. Saying goodbye to my family was more horrible for them. They cried a lot. (You know how moms can get) I did get a bit sad but I was also excited about this journey. It wasn’t until about halfway to NJ did I realize that I wasn’t coming back for a while, and that’s when that goodbye had set in.
        Now, I think this is where the story gets a little more interesting. This is where I started to grow and realize that my own actions and choices affect where I end up. I stayed at Rider two years. Two years growing friendships, two years having fun, two unforgettable years, but it just wasn’t in my books for staying there. This is when goodbye got hard. They say you don’t realize that you are leaving until the aftershock but I realized on my way to the airport that day. With my dorm packed, most of my goodbyes said, I just broke down. I think I cried the whole plane flight home. The good news there is I still have great friends that I met there and who I keep in touch with. Through that, I’ve realized that the best of friends, are always there for you, no matter the distance.
       Fast forward to now. The present. This is where goodbye gets really hard. I think these last two years of college at West Texas A&M has brought me to my closest friends. The friends who have seen me laugh, cry, get mad, throw things, they’ve seen my brilliance, my defeat and through it, they have still been by my side. I was supposed to graduate this year in May 2012 but due to some knee surgeries and changing my major, I decided another year at WT was in the books for me. Hey , I’m not arguing, just taking my college victory lap. Though staying another year meant more knowledge, soccer and fun for me, I’ve realized my friends don’t stay with me.
       Today, I said goodbye to probably the best friend I’ve made here at WT. I think we all know who it is. He’s been there from the beginning of my WT experience. Pushing me past two knee surgeries, pushing me through my switch to advertising. Winking at me during presentations to make my nervousness go away and never once doubting my ability to succeed whether it was in soccer, school or in work.
       This goodbye and the ones I’ve said in the last month have been the hardest. This goodbye hit me, before it even came. This goodbye might take a while to sink it, to realize that he’s in Cali and I’m still at school. I’ve never been much of an emotional person and if you ask any of my friends, I’ve just been a mess. I know that this is part of growing up, the hard part, the goodbyes. For me though, it’s a see you later. The true friends who I’ve managed to stay close with, I know I will see again. These people hold a special place in my heart.
       I know that this goodbye was the hardest yet but it sure isn’t the last goodbye I’ll face or that any of us will. In the next year, I hope to be doing the same thing, packing up my life in college and moving to pursue my dreams. I couldn’t be happier for my friends who have made their dreams come true and I know that I will be seeing them again. It's hard to say goodbye to the places and people you hold near to your heart. No one every said it would be easy but they did say everything was worth it.  For now, to all of my friends, It’s a see you later, not a goodbye.

History in the Making

         To say that these last five days have been an unforgettable journey is a complete understatement. It was surreal and unreal in so many ways. Buffalo Advertising started the journey to Austin early in the morning on Saturday. Most of us, didn't sleep because we were so excited. For the first time in the schools history, the NSAC team made it to the National conference among the top 19 schools in the nation for advertising. We were the smallest school there.
       When we arrived, we noticed other teams were arriving as well. We recognized some of them from their plans books and were a little bit starstruck. The team who BuffAD became close with, Alabama, or stachetag were one of the first teams we met. That day, we mingled and tried to take it all in: We were really there. We had made it. The AdAmerica conference was in full effect.

       We watched presentations all day Sunday. I remember walking out of the first presentation and saying to the team, "We're in the big shark tank now." We were in awe of some of the teams and how good they were. Unlike district, the national competition was not for the weak. Each team was strong in their ideas and their presentation. We knew we were good, but it was still intimidating. That night we had our final rehearsal before the big day. We presented at 8:50 Am Monday morning. My parents and sister and a few other parents of team members were there to support us, as well as people from District 10.
       The morning of the presentation was crazy and it seemed to go by so slow until it was our turn to present. DL, the giver of inspirational speeches, said her speech to us about being legendary and set the floor to us. Prior to competition, we had rehearsed for three weeks, got grilled on insane Q&A and maybe had a breakdown or two. Seeing the judges walking in, as well as a room full of people was incredibly scary. But, we were prepared, we were confident.
      Right before the timer asked us if we were ready, I looked at my team and said " Let's have every single person in this room walk out of here knowing who we are and what our presentation was." I could not have imagined our presentation going better. The crowd laughed and was having fun with us. The lights worked, the soccer ball move was flawless (hehe) and we, as presenters , had the most fun we have had presenting our campaign. There were no lines fumbled and it was slow like we had been told to do.
      When we finished our presentation, the first 5 rows of people stood up for a standing ovation including the judges. That's when it hit us, we literally were all almost in tears before the Q&A had started. We got asked one question by the judges and the rest was praise for our ideas and how well we put our presentation together. I looked out and our adviser was crying and we were so happy.

      The next two hours went so slow. We just wanted the results. Come lunch time, the winners were announced and BuffAd did not place top 4! You could see disappointment on our faces but we knew that we were among the best of the best. It wasn't until an hour later at the judges review did we learn we placed 5th place, only .9 pts behind the 4th place team and defending national champions. I remember running back and hugging everyone. We were so happy, we celebrated like first place. It's so amazing to think that we came in as the wildcard, barely making it and walked out beating both teams in our district and 147 other teams to rank in the top 5 in the nation. I get chills thinking about it.

     The rest of the trip was so amazing. Our team was able to network with industry leaders and the judges as well as some of the top Advertising people. We were able to hear from speakers from ESPN and the New York Times. We also go to tour two of the largest ad agencies in Austin, GSD&M and McGarrah and Jessee. I know I speak for my team as well as myself when I say that this experience has been amazing. Our team was able to bond and forge friendships  that won't end. We are so thankful for our advisers and for the opportunity to be among the best of the best. I know I can say that I am eagerly awaiting NSAC next year, for my last year of school. I'm also eager to get out into the work force and fulfill my dream of moving to NYC. I know after this last weekend, it is very possible for my dream to come true. We made history and I couldn't be more proud. "If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney.

Enjoying Every Opportunity

         I cannot believe we are a month into summer. It seems like that went by so fast. It's already June. Whew! "When one door closes, another door opens." This couldn't be more true in the last few months of my life.
        My internship with the High Plains Food Bank is in full swing and I love it. I have a great staff and great tasks(sometimes). Window washing proves to be a specialty of mine. Just kidding. Recently, we've had a big golf tournament and a few fundraisers that have gone pretty well. I am happy to say though, that I have made a break into more of a social media role and I couldn't be happier. I never thought of myself as much of a social media person, but seeing as social media is so huge and relevant today, I have come to love it and specialize.

       My other job, Marketing for Jump-N-Jive is proving to be a challenge but nothing I'm not used to. I didn't realize how much effort running a full marketing program took. I am ready to see where this challenge brings me. Jump-N-Jive is an inflatable playground that is a very unique kind to the Amarillo area. Needless to say, both of my jobs are different but being passionate about both, I love it.
      We are now within 24 hours of being in Austin for our National competition for NSAC. I can say that while my jobs have been interesting, this has proved to be the most challenging and rewarding. Once we found out we made it to nationals, the high quickly wore off. The presenters knew we had a challenge ahead of us. Along with our plans book that was judged, we still have a 20 minute presentation and a 10 min Q&A. We had our presentation and lines pretty well rehearsed but the Q&A has been such a challenge for all of us.
      On Wednesday we had a presentation for family, friends and faculty that went amazing. For three weeks we have stayed up late nights, cried, laughed, threw thing and have been super frustrated but I can say on behalf of all of us that we are ready.
     I am so proud to be a part of the first of something. We are the first team from WTAMU to make it nationals for NSAC. We are competing among some of the top schools in the nation: UPenn, Johnson and Wales, UC Berklee, UCLA , just to name a few. We leave tomorrow and get to spend the weekend networking and preparing. How cool would it be if we could place at nationals?! Half those schools have no idea who we are.

     Despite being horribly out of shape, I look forward to getting back on the field next year. There was a time this year I thought I wasn't going to be playing again but with every workout I am getting stronger. Every time I get back on that field, I remember why I fell in love with the game and I am ready to finish up my career as a college athlete. 

     It's so amazing to see where God has led me in the last year and I am excited to continue this journey. There have been ups and downs but every single thing pays off. I've got great friends, family , teachers and just amazing people all around me. One year from now I will hopefully be moving away to pursue my dreams in my field and it's so crazy to think where it all started and the journey that I've been on. As for now, I'll enjoy this moment, and every moment.