Therapy and poetry ignited something in me, a desire to help others. Opening up and expressing myself gave me new life. I’ve always been one to try to please others, like my parents, but this was a little different. I wanted to make a real impact on people who face similar mental challenges to myself. I came to college with a law degree in mind, but I switched to psychology in order to pursue this new goal of mine.
As I discovered more about myself, I rediscovered my passion for tennis. Growing confidence brought greater enjoyment to my game. Joining the team filled me with happiness, and it also opened up opportunities like traveling to Selma, Alabama with the Big Ten Community and Impact team for UTSA’s Selma Youth Tennis Clinic last fall. Being in Selma prompted me to reflect on topics I had never deeply considered before. I felt immense gratitude towards the courageous people who championed the rights for Black people and left a profound impact on society.
And then, I had the opportunity to teach young kids who looked like me how to play tennis. I’m unsure how much they retained or if they continue to play today, but in that moment, I introduced them to a new experience and provided them with something they might not have had before. I never had someone who truly sparked a love for tennis when I was a kid, but it felt amazing knowing that’s what I could possibly be to these kids.
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