After moving from Greenville, North Carolina my junior year I knew I would need to find new friends and become part of unfamiliar programs, which seemed daunting, but after starting summer workouts with the team I knew I had found a place where I belonged. I realized that unfamiliar doesn’t have to be overwhelming, that it creates opportunities to be part of something I couldn’t have foreseen, and that it is a new opportunity to prove that I am willing to grow as an individual and open myself to something different. Being part of this cross country team has shown me that I am ready to lead, love, and be courageous in unforeseen circumstances, and that I am able to embrace change. I am excited to see what kinds of challenges college will bring, and how I can rise to them and become a leader and an exceptional student. I now know that I am more than capable to take on anything that comes my way, and that I will not only embrace change, but be an agent of positive change to the world around me (isn’t doesn’t they would welcome me with open arms. This sport has been a vital part of my life since the beginning of high school and has taught me to lead, love, and be courageous. I would not change any decisions I've made if it meant I couldn't be apart of this