When people meet me, they often notice my quiet, introverted nature in social settings. My family is the complete opposite, being boisterous and, at times, very annoying. Usually, I’m often enjoying my own presence whether that is simply observing people (I’m not a creep lol), enjoying nature, and the world. Transitioning from high school suburbs to a chaotic college town like Athens has definitely been troublesome. Am I envious of people of already in friend groups or in cliques? A part of me says no, but another part says yes. I find myself struggling to immerse in this new environment, sometimes feeling a twinge of jealousy towards who have found their groups.

However, people tend to notice a difference in me at a different place: the soccer pitch. On the field, I’m bilingual. I speak English (broken English sometimes if playing with strangers) and whatever my feet does. On the field, I’m loud. On the field, I’m annoying. On the field, I’m unbeatable. On the field, I’m me. I’m someone who has allowed a sport to change who I am and have no complaints about it whatsoever. My greatest moments in life are in soccer however, that is not the important discussion to have right now. Soccer transforms me into someone who isn’t afraid to take up space, to lead, and to connect. The bonds I’ve formed through this sport, with teammates and friends from youth to old, are some of the strongest and most meaningful connections I have to date.

I aspire to carry this confidence, this different person, into my everyday life at UGA. In meeting new people, being a better student, and ultimately a better person. I want to be on campus unapologetically myself.