Dear Freshman Me: Advice to our Younger Selves

From the Resilience Rally Team

For college students and student-athletes

Remember that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

You do not have to navigate college, athletics, or life on your own. When things feel overwhelming, reach out to your teammates, friends, family, coaches, or someone you trust. Support is all around you, and there is no shame in leaning on it when you need it.

Therapy is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.

College is a time of enormous change, growth, and transition. Having a therapist can provide a safe space to process challenges, build coping skills, and gain perspective. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health.

Comparison is the thief of joy.

Stop worrying so much about what everyone else is doing. Focus on yourself, celebrate the small wins, and surround yourself with people who genuinely build you up. You don't have to have it all figured out. Just keep growing.

Mental health is health.

As a student athlete, you spend countless hours taking care of your body. Give your mind the same attention and care. Prioritizing your mental well being can help you perform better, build stronger relationships, and enjoy your college experience more fully.

Give yourself grace during the hard seasons.

College athletics are incredibly rewarding, but they can also be mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding. There will be difficult practices, tough losses, stressful exams, and moments when you question yourself. Keep moving forward one day at a time and remember that growth often happens during the challenging moments.

Ride the highs and lows with people who support you.

College is full of incredible memories, but it can also come with setbacks and disappointments. Surround yourself with teammates, friends, and mentors who celebrate your successes and help you through the difficult days. Community makes every challenge a little easier to carry.

Seek out mentors and learn from them.

Some of the most valuable lessons you will learn in college will come from people who have walked the path before you. Whether it is a coach, an older teammate, a professor, or another role model, don't be afraid to ask questions and learn from their experiences.

Your worth is not determined by your performance.

Your sport is something you do, not who you are. There will be great races, games, and seasons, and there will be difficult ones too. At the end of the day, people will remember your character, kindness, work ethic, and the way you treated others far more than any result on a scoreboard.

Enjoy the journey.

The years ahead will go by faster than you think. Celebrate the small wins, make memories with your teammates, take lots of photos, and appreciate the opportunity to compete. Some of the moments you will cherish most will happen outside of competition.