I stood outside my dormitory at Florida State University, feeling a

mix of excitement and fear. This was the first time I had ever been this far from my family. Growing up, I always dreamt about being independent, however, I never imagined how overwhelming this new chapter of life could be. As I watched my parents drive away,

it marked the beginning of a chapter filled with uncertainty but also endless possibilities.

As a child of Colombian immigrant parents, pursuing a higher education was a dream my parents nurtured the minute they left their home country to the United States. The pressure to succeed and honor their sacrifices instilled in me a relentless drive to excel. My parents left in search of better opportunities, leaving behind the familiar comforts of their home for the promise of a brighter future. They came here with nothing except determination and resilience, qualities they taught me my entire life. On the precipice of this dream, the fear of disappointing them weighed heavily. I questioned whether I could make them proud in the same way they had made me so proud my entire life. What if Florida State wasn’t the right school for me? What if I didn’t succeed? What if I didn’t make any friends? All these questions with no answers hit me.

Amidst the uncertainty, one thing remained constant: soccer. Ever since I could remember, the simple game had been my refuge—a source of joy and clarity in times of uncertainty. Whether it was playing with my friends, watching endless soccer games with my father or cheering on the Colombia National Team with my family, soccer had woven itself into the fabric of my identity. It was a passion that connected me to my parents and culture while also fueling my aspirations.

It was this unwavering love for the sport that ultimately guided my decision to pursue a major in Sport Management. I realized that while my journey as a student might be fraught with challenges, it was also an opportunity to combine my passion for sports with my academic pursuits. I was eager to immerse myself in a field that resonated so deeply with my interests.

In the weeks that followed, I found myself walking through Landis Green at Florida State University with a new sense of comfort and pride. Each day presented its own set of challenges and opportunities, but I discovered a resilience within myself that I hadn't known existed—a resilience that stemmed from the sacrifices of my parents and was fueled by my unconditional love for the game.

As my first year continued and as I now end my sophomore year, I realize that my journey as a Colombian freshman living in Tallahassee was about more than just academic achievements. It was a journey of self-discovery—a journey that taught me the importance of family, perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of my dreams. And as I look towards the future, I know that no matter where life takes me, soccer will always be the constant that anchors me to my roots.