“My mother always told me, ‘Bet on yourself’. For better or for worse, this has always been something I think about. What she says to me is a lesson I will carry with me and something I refer to in times of doubt. Often, in hockey, I say it to myself. A pick-me-up mantra, whatever you want to call it, reminds me to keep digging deeper for them. I am someone who has always been taught the rights and wrongs through the lessons of life and my family’s guidance. In coming to Northwood, I had to use these intuitions to set myself up where I wanted to be.
“I live in St. Johns, Newfoundland, and it is cold for those who do not know. Now, coming to Lake Placid and experiencing winter here, it is not any warmer. I have enjoyed many things about living here, but my favorite has to be the walks to town to get Starbucks and how much there is to experience with the people around you. We often take for granted the joy of living with our best friends. Being able to live down the hall from some of the people you care most about is something to cherish deeply.
“When I think about next year and playing hockey at RIT, the first feeling that comes to my body is excitement, instantly followed by fear. It is normal to be scared to move on, but with that comes a sweet sorrow for leaving Northwood. I spent most of this year taking everything in with more grace. Hearing the words “our last first” of this and that has been eye-opening. Our last first practice or our last first home game makes me truly thankful for the time I have already spent here.
“If there were one thing, I would tell anyone reading this article to take the time to appreciate the people around you, no matter what grade you are in. I mean this for your friends, peers, teachers, and coaches. It does not matter if you are a first-year student or a senior; this time will fly by in the blink of an eye. Enjoy every second of it.”
As told to Eliza Quackenbush. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
