Ahhhh, nothing like the start of the school year. Upperclassman are all reuniting while the first years are bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, trying to navigate their way through an all-new experience. While it is easy to get distracted by many things in the beginning of the year, I challenge you to find your passion and do what makes you happy. While this column usually relates to current events and happenings within the sports world, this one is going to be a little different, if you take one thing away from reading this, it is to find your why.
In this time of confusion, also known as college, it is more important than ever to find your why. Your why is what drives you to be the best person you can be. It pushes you through days where you do not want to take that extra rep in practice, or do that extra homework problem as you prepare for a test. I was fortunate enough to attend the 2018 NCAA Career In Sports Forum at the NCAA National Office in Indianapolis this past May and that is where I recognized what my why was. My career aspiration is to become an Athletic Director one day, and my why is to give student-athletes the best possible experience. As a student-athlete transitioning into a young professional, I know what student-athletes want and the conditions they thrive under. It is my drive to make a difference in student-athletes lives in the future. I realize that I will not be an Athletic Director right after I graduate, and it will be a long road until I reach my goal, but it is my why that will push me through the difficult days and that will lead me to ultimately reaching my goal.
As you navigate through the journey of college, it is okay to not know what you are going to do with your life as that is completely normal. But be yourself and stick to what you love to do while also trying new things. College is a time for experimentation, learning and a time to truly find yourself. I remember vividly when I was on my tour at Virginia Wesleyan (College) and I walked by the Marlin Chronicle newsroom and honestly (Sorry Dr. Payne) laughed in my head at the thought of my being a part of a school newspaper, well three-ish years later and I am second in command of the whole entire paper. And I could not be happier with the position I am in. Funny how life works.
I use myself as an example of what can come of making yourself uncomfortable. I know it is cliche, but it is the truth; you will never grow as a person if you stay in your comfort zone all the time. It is truly amazing what someone can be capable of, but most of the time, they do not even know it. It takes a simple leap of faith sometimes and a person will never look back. Change is always happening around you, especially on campus here at VWU. In the last couple months, the school revealed a new Marlin logo along with the introduction to new Athletic Director Tina Hill, whom the Marlin Chronicle will be featuring in the next issue coming out on Oct. 4. Change is uncomfortable, but once the growing pains are over, change can lead to great things. So as we head into this brand new school year, go ahead, take that leap of faith and see where you end up. It may surprise you.
Luke Chiasson
lachiasson@vwu.edu
