The process of overcoming an obstacle can be rewarding. If we trust that triumph over an obstacle brings us one step closer to our goal, we can embrace them knowing that the lessons learned will reassure, energize, and prepare us for future success. Being a scholar-athlete comes with a variety of obstacles. The most common and grueling is the unpredictability of adversity.  In my case, an injury ambushed me right at the peak of my college recruitment and selection process. I was forced to hastily adjust my goals, expectations, and attitude. Adversity would soon help me realize exactly why my family stressed the importance of academic excellence, contingency, and faith.

Like most scholar-athletes a goal of mine is to be recruited by college coaches.  In the spring of my junior year, I traveled throughout the Midwest for AAU Basketball. My confidence peaked and I was playing my best. I was the leading scorer on my team and was viewed as a leader. Coaches rewarded me for my outstanding performance. I went from being overlooked to finally being recognized. On April 27, 2023, I received the first of several messages from an interested coach.  He expressed his interest and wanted to plan a visit. I was ecstatic and fulfilled. The hard work, the long car rides, and the tears were finally going to benefit me.

For two years straight I was awarded the NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete award for having the highest GPA on the team. My family was just as excited for this recognition as they were when I hit game-winning shots. I would soon learn that my academic success would be necessary to secure my athletic future.

During an out-of-town tournament, I injured my left wrist and played through the pain. I headed to the doctor when I returned home and I was hit with devastating news: I broke my wrist and needed surgery as soon as possible. The surgery was successful and I began my three-month recovery process. This was the worst possible timing. I was invited to camps and heavily recruited. Unfortunately, I could not attend or compete. Adversity was playing a game against me and winning. Doubt started to settle in and I questioned my ability to play college basketball. However, I didn’t let those thoughts win. I trained hard, strengthened my weaknesses and I’m on my way to having a successful senior year.

The adversity that I faced provided an opportunity to prepare myself for the next chapter of my life. Throughout my recovery, I identified various societal issues within my community and I took action through community service. I was accepted into a minority mentorship program at a prestigious University.  I enrolled in a college course to better understand the mysteries of the human mind. Through these experiences, I was able to confirm that, in college, I want to research human behavior and why it changes after traumatic events. Specifically, I would like for my research to suggest neurological and therapeutic solutions that bring tranquility to situations so that healing can begin faster for those who encounter mental, social, or emotional trauma.

My time away from basketball turned out to be a good problem. I reimagined my purpose and the impact I can have on my community. Faith helped me believe in myself.  Experiences other than basketball educated me on issues faced by the less fortunate and provided an opportunity for me to serve.  I learned how to research and present on topics such as diabetes, mental health, and human behavior. I will certainly face additional obstacles in life. However, I’ve learned that with patience and an open mind toward alternative solutions, I can overcome obstacles and apathy. I am thankful that this triumphant battle gave me the energy and drive to finalize my college selection strategy and provided me the guidance necessary to secure success in the future.