About a year ago this time I had just finished a very successful season of soccer at Hastings College. I started every game at sweeper and went to the first round of nationals. Pretty impressive for a freshman.
I ended the season without an injury, but more sore than I've ever felt, homesick, stressed, and not involved in anything at school, but soccer.
I love the sport, but being labeled an athlete and nothing else simply wasn't me.
This year, I decided to pursue other aspects of Hastings College, outside of soccer. For the first time since I was 5-years-old, I am not involved in any organized sports.
However, it has opened up countless other opportunities for me that I could not have dreamed of fitting in my schedule last year, or accomplishing as a sophomore.
I just finished my first semester as graphics editor of the college newspaper. I had previous knowledge of design from being editor in chief of my high school yearbook, but looking at design from a newspaper approach was a completely different experience for me. I have learned so much about design principles and how to use the adobe programs.
I was also just offered the position of news director for hcworldnews.com. This is our college media website where the newspaper and tv news can be viewed online. In this position, I will be in charge of making sure each story is posted online every week. I will also work closely with the web master and learn how to do her job. The opportunity to learn about web design is one that I would not have expected looking back to a year ago.
I was also elected Co-Chair of the Artist Lecture Series committee. Being nominated for this group was an accomplishment in itself for me, but Co-Chair is an event greater achievement.
I have also become involved in peer education, public relations council and I am a resident assistant for my dorm.
I am not posting all of these accomplishments to brag or put myself on a pedestal, but to reflect on the idea I once had of the importance of soccer to me. Soccer has always been a very rocky experience for me, going from teams where I was the captain and starting, to teams where I prayed for playing time. The stress of it all still takes a toll on me emotionally when I think about it.
Many doubted my decision to quit, telling me I shouldn't "give up" or wondered why I would stop playing when I am a starter on the most talented team I've been a part of with a coach who truly believes in me.
These are all valid points, because I did have an amazing time on the field and an extremely knowledgeable coach. But as much as it meant to me, I never saw it as quitting, but rather making a decision that would better my future.
I still often miss being on the field under the lights, but quitting soccer might have just been the best thing for me. It has opened up opportunities for me in one short year that few accomplish over an entire college career.
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