I’m sure almost all of you had something come to mind when reading my corny title. Whether it be a place or person, almost everyone holds memories close to them for safe keeping. I mentioned a person because you come across so many people in life, some that remind you of home, some that feel like home, and some you want home to be just like. If someone popped into your mind, hold them tight and never allow yourselves to lose sight of that relationship. However for me, my home away from home is on the beaches of North Carolina..
I can’t quite describe the bubbly feeling I get when driving through, passing gorgeous beach houses (some of which are my dream house), small cafes, ice cream shops on every corner, and bikers everywhere with the brightest smiles. I have been vacationing to NC for as long as I can remember and every time I go I think it gets more beautiful. The trips consist of pure relaxation, late night corn hole games, Dad cooking on the grill, Fat Daddy sundaes, and some of the best memories with my family I’ll forever cherish. Since I am there for 7 of the 365 days in a year, I make sure to cherish every hour and laughter shared, surrounded by the people I love. Seven days is sometimes all you need to realize how happy you can be, and how much there is still to explore in a lifetime.
I think everyone can think of a place that just puts their mind at ease, almost as if it’s an escape from all the stress in life, making you feel at your peak happiness. If someplace or someone makes you feel that way, hold on to it and never stop paying it a visit or appreciating all it has to offer. As life continues, a lot of times we forget to just stop and take it all in, to appreciate the early morning sunrise, or the delicate waves crashing on the Earth as your feet make soft imprints along its sandy shores. Life can be hectic, you can start to feel stagnant, like you are going through the same routine everyday and are stuck in a constant cycle. When you start to feel this way and need an escape from your job, or the hardships life is tossing at you, head to the spot that feels like home. Take a deep breath, soak in its’ beauty, and find the smallest things to appreciate and be grateful for.
“There’s a time to persevere and a time to let go. Your ability to know the difference will be your greatest source of strength”
Dr. Alan Goldberg
Six years old is when I laced up a pair of Umbro black cleats, gaudy black shin guards, and threw on one of those thick reversible v-neck jerseys stitched with a big number 6 on the back. I remember driving to my very first practice with a big jug of water and a sweatband in my hair to look tough. I grew up in a very competitive household. My two sisters and I would compete intensely over late night board games, relay races in the pool, sprints on the beach, my parents’ attention, and who could get better grades. It was something we could not live without but was vital in creating three of the most hard working, intense, passionate, young athletes in my home town.
I spent almost every weekend during the summer traveling with my Dad to tournaments and those are by far some of the best childhood memories I have, noting the ones that had Wawa trips involved. I knew from a very young age I wanted to play a sport at the collegiate level and that was my main goal I had made for myself to fully commit to. I participated in travel soccer, basketball, and softball all throughout middle and high school achieving many awards and accomplishments up until I tore my left ACL in a high school playoff game my junior year. Before that, I thought I was invincible, no injury had ever come my way nor did I ever think one that major would. I was sidelined for 9 months and an entire summer which was the longest I had ever gone without playing sports post 6-year old me. Not long after the first surgery, I fell down a flight of stairs in my house ripping open my stitches and sending me in for a second surgery. After over a year of physical therapy and a third surgery to manipulate my leg into full range of motion, I returned to the pitch and had overcome the adversity and set backs I was handed. I went on to accomplish so many things my senior year like earning Female Athlete of the Year with my trusty black brace by my side. I also was able to sign the next four years of my athletic journey away to a D3 school in Baltimore Maryland, Stevenson University.
I remember getting a call the summer going into Freshmen year of college that the coach that had recruited me was leaving and a new coach would be taking his position. I was shocked and was having second thoughts, but knew that I was going to give it a chance and take the bull by the horns. Freshmen year was rough, to say the least. There were 42 girls on the roster and half the team did not travel or even practice with the game players. This season of change really shot my confidence. I felt like I could never get the coaching staff to notice me and I questioned if I was even good enough to be there. Freshmen year was kind of a blur but I ended up getting through it injury bug free and ready to see what sophomore year had in store. Sophomore year went better, except for the fact we were winning barely any games. For me, that is something I take very personal. I cannot stand losing. I did however score my first collegiate goal.
Towards the end season of sophomore year I suffered bad joint pain in my knee and ended up getting a fourth surgery in December to clean up cartilage and scar tissue. The Doctor explained to me that there was a lot of wear and tear inside my knee and the cartilage was decreasing quickly, leaving the majority of my knee bone on bone. After months of physical therapy that winter, I returned positive for Spring season only to be sidelined again with the same pain, quadricep deficiency and the tweak of my Plica tissue. I got a fifth surgery in May to give it one last go by the Doctor. All summer I worked to get back for my junior season and ended up getting cleared August 16, a day before preseason of this current 2019 year. After killing my fitness tests and the first five two a day’s, my knee filled with fluid and immense pain shot through my knee cap. I went in for a MRI and it was really one of two choices for me; get another surgery, or give up the sport. My heart was absolutely shattered and I had trouble coming to terms with the decision that needed to be made.
On August 30, 2019, I decided to give up college soccer. It was a choice I made for both my mental and physical health and was something I will never think of as quitting. Waking up and walking around in pain everyday at the age of 20 is something no one should have to go through and sometimes your body and mental state need to come before the things you want most in life. Life isn’t fair, but it was something out of my control and maybe was the sign I needed to let it go and find new passions in life. Although I am still trying to figure out who I am without sports, I am excited for my future and the new opportunities to come. I learned that I was a fighter and a competitor just like my Dad had taught me to be from a young age. I learned to want more respect for myself when it comes to coaches, and most importantly to always stay true to my beliefs and not let anyone tell me what I can and can’t do with my life and my body. I wanted to share my story for athletes that are going through or have gone through similar scenarios and to let you know your never alone. Athletics end one day for everyone, but being an athlete never ever has to end. Bring that inner athlete to your career one day, and you will be a fearless leader and professional.
In life you come across different souls, not one that is the same as the other. In just 19 years of living I have met incredible people worth keeping around for the rest of my life. You think as you grow and start different journeys of life you will lose people, but those that are truly your friends and good people will always be there. If someone wants to reach out they will, and I have learned through all these new interactions that some people you meet, cannot wait for you to fail or turn a blind eye to you when they see you doing better then them. That’s life and sadly the sooner you realize it, the better off you will be in life.
For me, I have come across those “friends” that I thought would always be there, the ones that I loved so deeply but when the moments that I truly needed them arose.. they were no where to be found. Leaving high school left me feeling so empty of some of the best years of my life. I remember having a talk with my father one night, who is the wisest man I know, and he had told me that “if high school are really the best years of your life, then that’s a problem”. Man was he right like always. I got so sad thinking I would lose all my high school best friends but two years later I still talk to them and we always pick up right where we left off.
College has brought me incredible friends. They are the type of people you wish you would have come across sooner in life. I may have only known them for two years now, but it feels like I have known them my entire life. It’s so weird to me ya know, you make a choice in life to pick a school or venture out somewhere new and that decision leads you to some of the best people you would have never known if you had not of made that decision and took the leap forward. I truly believe there is still good in the world because of these girls. They bring me so much laughter and joy each and every day. Just meeting them at a small school proved to me that there are probably good people out there for everyone. You have to put yourself out there and really get to know people, human interaction is the best medicine.
Karissa
The physical embodiment of the color yellow. A lover of Fleetwood Mac, an eye for fashion, and a strong taste for wine. This girl has the biggest heart I know and never fails to make people around her happy. She is the light in any room and her compassion and love for others is something so hard to find. She will spend hours of the night making sure every stitch in her slip dress is perfectly aligned while also sending me quotes when I am having a bad day. The definition of an unselfish person, and a lifelong best friend. You know that thing I mentioned in the beginning of this blog, about sometimes people not having the same heart as you? I don’t think it is possible for her to ever be heartless towards something. Karissa your love for little nik-naks and your mom’s jewelry is the cutest thing. Please don’t ever change the person you are, and always remember the 10 rules to living. Take this greatest piece advice and forever give yourself the same care and attention you give to others. -E
Elise
Dear god, where do I even start with this girl. When I say I would never of survived my first two years of college without you I truly mean it. You have picked me up on my toughest days and have taught me self love and strength on the lowest days of my life. You never fail to remind me of all I have going for me in life. The smile that spreads from ear to ear on you in unique to anyone I have ever met. You are a pocket sized bundle of joy that gives the biggest morning hugs and even bigger advice. I adore your unique style of Doc Martins and fishnet stockings under your flare jeans on a Saturday night or your Nirvana tee with plaid shorts on a Sunday morning. You are such a loving and spunky soul. To the girl with the best driving playlist, the cutest pjs, and a strong appetite for Snickers ice cream bars and salami and cheese subs, I love you. All I want in life is for you to find someone that makes you happy and I hope you come across all you deserve in this huge lifelong journey. Cannot wait to be in one another’s weddings and look back at all these memories. -E
Gabs
To the gentlest, goofiest, most caring friend. I am so thankful for our heart to hearts, ice cream nights, oatmeal mornings, and the love we share for shoes. The dedication you show for the sport of soccer and the people around you is something that is so inspirational to me. You are so incredibly intelligent and are the cutest soul I know. Stevenson bringing me you as a best friend was the thing I am most thankful for. I hope you never forget how beautiful you are and cherish the little things in life each and every day. Never stop screaming at the top of your lungs before 6 am practice, or stirring your coffee to perfection each night. I wish you a life full of kittens and avocado toast, but most importantly pure happiness in everything you do. Love you always.. -E
Shan
My Jesus lovin’, hazelnut coffee sipping, pretty red- headed best friend. You are one of a kind and have such a huge heart for everything you do. You are so hardworking in school and stay killing it on the lacrosse field. The love you show for your family, sports, and friends is so unique and something you should forever be proud of. Thank you for all the Dunkin date long talks and giving me an escape from stress when I need it most. We are so similar and you remind me of home away from home. Never stop jamming to country music in your little Toyota, or splurging on bikinis months before Summer. Keep them squats low as always and the Gymshark leggings POPPIN. Continue spreading kindness to everyone around you and bringing sunshine on the cloudiest days. Love you. -E
Allison
My little avocado, Halo top, Macro bar eating ohhh gotcha sister. You being a part of my life has brought me so many late night laughs and forever memories. Your dance moves are one of a kind and the driving skills are unlike any other. So incredibly thankful for our dramatic crying sessions and all our inside jokes. The amount of coffee you consume is impressive and you are now the reason I believe coffee may even help someone get first place in a Tri-athalon. You are so strong both mentally and physically and are always making sure I am not getting down on myself. Your goofiness never fails to make me crack up and I cannot wait to live in our lil apartment together next year. The way you care for Gabs and the people around you is admirable and you should forever be happy with the person you are. I hope you continue to take risks and try new things.. but hey please never get in a hit and run again HAHA. Love you so much. -E
Shannon
The strongest, most real, compassionate lady. Our bond means more to me than you will ever know, and us getting so close has been one of the best things that has happened to me these two years. You never judge and always tell me straight up when it comes to the truth or my ideas hehe. You are so trusting and care so much about others and their well being. I feel like I have literally known you my entire life. Thank you for always letting me rant and giving me company when I need it. Thank you for always making me laugh and projectile vomiting off balconies. I am so glad I found someone that hates walking places alone just as much as I do. So grateful for our car rides and late night talks and getting over you fear of drive throughs when I am really craving a coffee. I wish you nothing but pure happiness and love in life and hope one day someone treats you with the same love and support as you give all of us. Keep dropping it low in pictures and smacking 24 counts of peanut butter eggs. I know you are going through so much but always remember to “grow through what you go through’‘. Love you so much -E
Bridget
The funniest, most alive girl I know. The type a girl that jumps in a water fountain at 3 am, and is the definition of fearless. If you are ever looking for a night of complete and utter comedy, she’s your girl. They tell you to live life to the fullest and never be afraid of what people think…this women lives and breathes by that. Bridge I admire how free and wild you are. You are always up for an adventure and are sure to create a night full of memories even if it means waking up super early to go clean out a sink. I think everyone should try and be a little more like you in life and more care free. The thing is, you are creating this fun life, all while killing school work and being such an amazing athlete. You forever have everyones back and are such a good friend to have in life. Thank you for all your boy advice and for never judging me. Thank you for always answering my questions and tossing me your most precious snacks when I needed them. I hope you never change the person you are and go into everything in life with this same young wild spirit you have now. Love you like crazy. -E
Keegan
This tan, beach lovin, Conneticut girl. My first best friend at Stevenson. To the biggest Patriots fan (and don’t even try to tell her she’s not), an amazing athlete, the best nurse, and the strongest girl I know you rockk. I’m so thankful for all of our laughs college has brought us and the memories we will continue to create. You have such a bright future and so much potential for yourself that I hope you start to discover with confidence in time. Everyone believes in you and I wish more than anything in life you begin to realize that. Thank you for all the playlists you have created when we’re sad, the grocery store trips, the inspirational quotes, and being there for me. “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong”-Ella Fitzgerald.. Keep pursuing your dreams Keegs- E
Melanie
Mel, a girl that can win any argument backed up with several facts, giving you barely any time to argue. You are going to make an amazing business leader one day and I admire how creative and hardworking you are. You always know how to have fun and have helped me lighten up so much. You are such a leader and your voice is something that should always be heard. Thank you for all of your upbeat words when I drop my head at practice, or telling me to relax and get my head right. Your moves on and off the soccer field never go unnoticed.. You have such a bright light ahead of you in life and I have no doubt you are going to do big things for yourself. Please never stop dancing like crazy and forgetting half your uniform on game days. Thank you for loving snacks just as much as I do and sharing a passion for traveling the world with me. Wherever life takes you, your going to make a difference everywhere you go. I mean that with my entire heart. Love your bed-headed freckled self so much. -E
My name is Erin and I am a 19 year old girl trying to ride the waves of life as it crashes with new memories, ideas, and experiences each and every day. You see time itself does not stop for anyone. You are never gonna be as young as you are now in this very moment, and you cannot go back in the past and relive moments you wish you would have cherished a little longer that day. Now is the time to be living and creating memories to look back on when you can no longer run around and travel like you can now.
For months now, I have been glued to my computer screen reading different blog posts for inspiration and I am fascinated by people’s thoughts and stories. It has been something I have wanted to start doing whether people begin to read them or not. Sometimes writing out ideas or thoughts can help you grow as well as help others find inspiration and relate to someone.
I am currently a Digital Marketing major with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. I am also a collegiate athlete on the soccer team at my University. Safe to say I have no idea what I want to do with any of that, and that’s okay, there is nothing rushing me to figure it out right this second. For those of you that have your entire life figured out, you are pretty lucky but things change, people change, and it is okay to one day change what you thought for so long you wanted. It is your life and only you get to decide how you are going to live it. Love always- E
Erin Horsey 