At one of our recruiting visits this past fall, the father of one of the recruits asked me, "What makes it worth it?" 

He was no doubt wondering if committing to being Division I athlete would be a positive experience for his daughter. I don't blame him for wondering because quite honestly, it's a question I've asked myself many times over the last four years.

Training year-round, running 50+ miles a week while balancing school and friends is a daunting task as it is, but throw in the injuries and disappointment that often accompany this sport and it's no wonder that there are times when I've questioned whether I had it in me to continue.
 
 When I first came to Lafayette I had some big dreams: running school records, beating Lehigh, winning a Patriot League title to name a few. Some of these were realistic, other not so much, but that didn't stop me from chasing after them for the last four years.

There is something so special and wonderful about accomplishing one of your goals; that feeling of euphoria as I crossed the finish line knowing I'd accomplished what I came to do is something that will stay with me forever. Unfortunately though, as you all know, these moments may only come a handful of times over your entire career, and the moments in between are often riddled with frustration and disappointment.

It's in those moments that pesky little question begins to creep in.

Was it worth it?
 
It was during these times though that I realized how truly lucky I was to have you all by my side.

Whether it was by encouraging me to be patient and trust that in time the results would come or by taking my mind off of running entirely, you were always there to support me, and I could not be more grateful for that. You made me realize that running is not the end all be all. I could be injured or running poorly, but at the end of the day it didn't matter because I was surrounded by a group of amazing and inspiring people.
 
As I look back at the last four years, I am proud of all that I was able to accomplish on the track, but those are not the moments that stick out to me.

Rather it's the countless hours we spent at upper after practice, our pre-race dance parties in cross country, and even those seemingly mundane nights in the room or at the library. These are the moments that made my time here at Lafayette so wonderful, and they are memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.
 

The Finish Line
The Finish Line is a special series on GoLeopards.com consisting of first-person stories written by graduating student-athletes, reflecting on their Lafayette experience. For full coverage of this weekend's graduation ceremonies, visit the link below. Commencement Home Page

If there is one lesson I have learned over the last four years it is that running has given me some of the greatest gifts life has to offer, but they were never really about the running itself.

Setting PRs and scoring points are great don't get me wrong, but the real meaning of this sport comes from the relationships I've formed with all of you.
 
So, was it worth it? Without a doubt, yes.

Despite all of the injuries, tears, and heartbreak, I can unequivocally say it was worth it; and it was worth it because of all of you.


 
Each of you are wonderful and special in your own way, and it has been an absolute joy getting to know you.

Thank you for inspiring and motivating me both on and off the track; I would not be the person or runner I am today without all of you.

It has been so exciting watching you grow and achieve your goals, and I am beyond proud of each of you. I cannot wait to see all that you will accomplish in your time at Lafayette and after.

Chase after your goals, but win or lose, remember that you will always have your teammates by your side, and that is far more important than any race.

Thank you for making these the best four years of my life.
 
Love always,