I have always hated goodbyes. Similarly; I abhor endings. I find the good in literally everything I do; therefore, everything I do (which inevitably always comes to an end) makes me so sad when it's over.

This year I had the privilege of experiencing my first ever high school track season. Needless to say; I fell in love with it. I know running isn't everybody's best friend. Quote, "My sport is your sport's punishment."

Totally true, by the way. But something about it simply entranced me. I'm not the best; I'm a far cry from it. In fact, there's no denying I may be the worst on the team. When I finish a race and go check the scoreboard to see if I "PR'ed," my eyes always dart to the bottom of the list, making sure I'm not the very last name there. And sometimes, I have been. Or, pretty close, at least.

None of that mattered when I was on the track, and now, as the season closes, none of that matters to me. When you love something, you work hard for it, even if the results are slow, gradual, and painstaking. Sometimes after a particularly strenuous workout, (which I still dub as the 'best workout of my life', probably a result of the endorphins doing their job), I'd feel the need to throw up or pass out. Especially on those particular days that I didn't eat or drink enough water.

At the end of the day, however, no matter what kind of practice it was, one where the day ended in a smile or in tears over how awful I did, I persisted, with passion. I never once considered giving up, quitting, or giving half effort. I can safely say that every day I gave my best- but I can also say that I would always tell myself- next time you will go harder, you will go faster, and you will be better. I never once settled.

Personal Record? However amazing, it will go up next time. 45th out of 60? I want to be in at least the top half next time. 3rd in my heat? Next time, it will be 1st.

Before track, I never quite understood what it was like to be an athlete. An actress for most of my childhood, as well as a nerdy school-obsessed girl, I sometimes questioned the point of athletics. Why were people so obsessed with sports? What gives? What's their purpose? Then I realized, not long after my first meet, the point of sports.

Whether it be tennis, or field hockey, or football, or soccer, or bowling, or swimming, or lacrosse, or cheerleading. Whatever it may be- sports unite us. Sports give us something to work for. Sports give us a competitive edge, as well as teach us compassion, unity, strength, work ethic, teamwork, friendship, and self discipline.

My track journey, thankfully is only beginning. It may be the end of indoor season, one that I will never forget, but it is only the beginning of outdoor season, which doesn't start for a couple of weeks.

The best part about the whole situation is the fact that it was never planned. I genuinely wanted to be a swimmer so badly, but my parents smartly decided against it, as I am not a strong swimmer whatsoever. So, the day the second track practice occurred, I decided to do it. The night of my birthday, which was actually the night of the first practice, I decided to challenge myself and do it. That's fate for you. It works in funny ways. I was so torn up about my parents refusing to let me do swim, when really, it was the best decision they could have made. If I swam, I wouldn't have ran track.

I can't believe I've made it through the season. If you asked me in the beginning of the year, I never would have guessed I would be where I am today. I would have told you I was going to swim just so I could hang out with my best friend every day while simultaneously earning something to put on my college applications. I'm so thankful to be where I am today. Track has allowed me to meet so many amazing people that I've come to form friendships with, and get to know and become closer with people I have always admired or wanted to get to know.

I would never have thought I would be where I am today; but I'm here and I couldn't be happier.