For years and years, my life consisted of one activity, but that activity took up hours and days of time every day. The amount of time and hard work put in was tremendous, yet it all seems like a waste of time now. Being a collegiate Division I golfer has always been a dream of mine, and now that dream is shattered by a long-term injury. Now, I'm just a normal student in college, rather than living the student-athlete life.

I guess you could say I at least had the opportunity for a year to pursue my dream; however, did I get to live my dream to its potential? No. Being a Division I athlete along with an honor student leads to a bunch of complaining and long days, but looking back, I would take those days back in a second.

The day came along where I told my coach the news that my golf days will be over after this year. I sat down in a meeting with my coach and the athletic director as my parents were there for support. I started to explain my situation and within four words, I began to cry. A flood of memories flew through my head from my first high school golf tryout, team runner-up in the state tournament, record breaking state championship with my team, making the all-state team, signing my national letter of intent, and my few memories as a collegiate golfer. Those memories will forever be in my heart, but my heart breaks at the fact I won't create any more memories doing something I love.

I've dealt with many bumps in the road, but this bump feels more like a rollercoaster that only goes down. I have accepted the fact it will take awhile to get over not being able to do something I love. And that’s the first step to moving on.

I would like to thank my wrist for taking away my one love which are my goals were surrounded by; however, it is important to look at a situation like this as a new beginning, not an end. Having a positive outlook on life significantly impacts where your life goes when you reach an intersection, but your road your on reaches a dead end. My whole life I went down one road with few stops where my goals were accomplished and then I continued forward. As a freshman in college, the road I wanted to be on abruptly ended. What do I do? I stop. Turn down a new road and set new goals in life involving down that fresh road.

I would like to hope that this happens to a very little amount of people; however, I know it happens more than usual. Injuries in sports can be so serious that one must give up something they love, but if you do, give yourself props for making the adult decision with your life. It's hard but it allows you to start new adventures and find yourself outside of that one special sport. I know I will miss stepping onto the golf course hoping for lots of birdies and pars, but underneath my sadness, I am hopeful of a future with new adventures I would have never stumbled upon if this didn't happen. But shout out to golf for giving me a childhood and adolescent life fulfilled with accomplishments, forever friendships, and teaching me how to love.

I would like to thank my high school coach, assistant high school coach, high school teammates, family, friends, college coaches, college teammates, and so many other people for allowing me to pursue my dreams and for all the support along that road.

Signing off, this is Alyssa Cook, the has-been golfer with a lifetime of memories I will never forget.