As I headed back to campus in August, I was presented with a range of emotions. While showing up to preseason was always exciting, this was my last one, thus an entirely novel experience. I was simultaneously buzzing to be back in the place I’ve called home for the past four years and slightly nervous as well. Ironically this was akin to how I felt showing up my freshman year in 2018. In reflecting on my time since then, I took stock of how grateful I am of my teammates, friends, coaches, professors, and most of all my family for getting me to where I am today. Therefore, I made the conscious effort to cherish every last moment of this wonderful journey throughout the semester, making sure to take it all in. It is these bittersweet moments that have really made life so special, and I can’t wait for countless more in whatever comes next.

However, as we all know the good times always fly by. In the blink of an eye, it was already December, and with the semester wrapped up, I was gifted the opportunity to travel. I spent the holidays in Germany, visiting family I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic, and then headed to Dubai, Singapore, and Thailand to visit friends. This journey afforded me the chance to take in new cultures, social structures and visit some of the most naturally beautiful landscapes the world has to offer. This was truly an experience I will never forget and am eternally grateful to have had the opportunity to embark upon it. I cannot begin to thank MVYouth enough for its generosity and continued support. Without MVYouth, none of this would even be remotely possible and for that I am ever grateful.