Support Can Exist in Many Forms

During my freshman year of high school, my father received orders to deploy to Australia for six months. At first, I was crushed, and my family took another hard hit when my childhood dog died a few days later. All this, combined with the pressure and stress of being a student-athlete without one of the most important figures in my life nearby, felt like it could have crushed me. But it didn't.

I made the varsity lacrosse team, got straight A's, and made many new friends. These experiences helped me during the times when I missed my dad. My new friends, my mom, and my coaches were incredibly supportive and listened whenever I needed to talk. One of my assistant coaches especially understood because he also grew up in a military family.

My dad ended up coming home a month early. I learned a lot during those five months, but the main thing I learned was how to move through something that I never thought I could overcome. Another thing I learned was the importance of communicating my thoughts and feelings with other people and not holding them in until I get to a breaking point.

Difficult moments in your life are much easier to endure when you have people around you to support you and who understand what you are going through. Situations that seem like impossible mountains to trek are much easier to overcome with the help of others. Sometimes, the people around you can help you carry the weight that might seem overwhelming.

Although my dad was thousands of miles away, I realized that support can still exist in many forms and that friends, family, coaches, and teachers can be an incredible resource for you to lean on when life feels overpowering.