I vividly remember stepping on the field for my first soccer game at 4 years old that my parents signed me up to play in. The majority of the kids didn't want to be there, and even as my twin sister sat down on the field and sulked, I remember feeling happy and alive. Ever since, being an athlete has shaped me into a happier, healthier, and better version of myself while teaching me valuable lessons along the way.

What being an athlete has taught me:

1. Being a part of something bigger than yourself.

As part of a team, I am part of something much bigger than myself. I am part of a group of players looking to achieve a common goal. There is something so satisfying and rewarding about the process of a team working hard to achieve something great.

2. Patience.

In life, patience is a virtue. Most things in life are usually worth waiting for. If you want to see the best result, patience is key.

"Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy." -Saadi

3. Being a teammate and friend.

Sports have taught me that surrounding yourself with not only great teammates, but also great friends, is essential to a happy and successful life. The best teammates are there to grab your hand to pull you up if you fall. The greatest teammates gather to celebrate accomplishments and even to discuss failures. The best friends I have made so far have all been through sports, and I could not be more grateful for that.

4. Life isn't always fair.

Life isn't fair. By now, most of us know this to some degree. In sports and in life there are some things that you just don't have any control over. Unfortunately, you have to be accepting of that. Nothing will always go how you plan it to, or something may suddenly happen that changes the whole course of things. A player can't control what the other team says or what the referee may argue is right, but the player and team collectively can control how hard they work, their sportsmanship, and their game. Life has all types of twists and turns, and part of living is to enjoy and cherish the ride, no matter how bumpy it may be at times.