“Everything happens for a reason; that is what my parents have always told me. This is a line I consider when there are obstacles in my life. I understand they are there for a reason: to teach me how to adapt. No matter where or what situation I am put in, that is always in the back of my mind. It plays into all parts of my life, whether with people, school, sports, or family. Knowing that everything is occurring, good or bad, is there for a reason. No matter the intensity, I will come out of it with either a positive or a lesson.
“I have always been taught to put my best foot forward. No matter what situation I am in, something positive can always come out of it. When coming to Northwood, I knew I wanted to pursue hockey at a higher level, but as it came time to leave, I felt nerves setting in. I left home at 14, and while I have no regrets about it, there are days when I miss home more than others. When coming to Northwood, I knew the goal was to play Division 1 college hockey, and with that in my future, I am proud to say that I have completed one of many goals. However, I was raised in a way where I was never taught to be satisfied, where no matter what I have accomplished, there is always another level to get to. Always be humble, but do not let anything get in the way of your dreams. I think about this often and use it as motivation when the days are long and exhaustion is setting in.
“Northwood has brought more surprises and more people into my life than expected. I always figured I would make friends here, but I had no idea they would turn into my family. There are so many ways I could describe my gratefulness for the people here, and in saying that, the goodbyes to come and those that have gone are hard. Saying goodbye to your best friends and wishing them well in college is no easy feat, and then turning around and saying goodbye to the people who will still be here is another hard step. There are so many things that come with goodbyes, but when I think about the end of the school year and having to get ready to leave for college, I reflect on the Winnie the Pooh quote that states, “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” This always reminds me that no matter where I am going or however my life will change, I have people in my corner who have made goodbyes hard, and that is a precious thing to hold on to.”
As told to Eliza Quackenbush ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
