Who I am

      Who Am I?

 I was born and raised in a small town. Growing up with an older brother, I was always around many boys. People who look at me today would be shocked to find out that I grew up as a tomboy. I was always around my brother and his friends whether it was at their hockey games, baseball games, biking around the neighborhood or simply just hanging in the yard. I wanted to be as strong and cool as they were even though they were 3 years older than me. Between my dad and my brother I learned how to play sports like baseball, soccer, hockey, and basketball and most importantly I learned how to be competitive. What I learned from them when I was really young has shaped me into who I am today. 

I wore all my brothers old gear from all sports and even some of his old clothes. I was a huge fan of hats, you could find me wearing a backwards baseball cap in any photo taken back then. I went to monster truck shows with my dad, Where I received my favorite t- shirt of all time. It was black with the green "Gravedigger” truck on it, which I wore everyday until my mom hid it. During elementary school, instead of hanging with the girls skipping or dancing, you could find me playing in an intense game of soccer, four square, basketball or in the gym. I always competed in boys athletics and tried to be the fastest girl in my grade. Not to mention I made sure to have the best grades in school as well. Growing up as a tomboy was the best experience.

Growing up the way I did, I ended up not following the typically path of most girls. I didn’t know much about doing my hair, I wasn’t interested in fashion or make up and all I wanted to do was play sports. I always had more guy friends than girls. I spent endless hours in the car with my parents driving to hockey, missing many school dances and birthday parties. When basketball season came around and overlapped with hockey you’d be lucky to see me even at school because of tournaments. When it was time for me to go to high school, I did the unthinkable in my town by leaving. Most small town kids stay small town forever, but by the time I was 14, I was moving to New Hampshire to attend a boarding school. This the best place for me, where I played three varsity sports for four years, had multiple roles on student council, a high GPA and made many life long friends. I got to see my family and friends at home only on holidays and vacations. Although, in high school I started to become more into hair, make up and fashion, I still was a tomboy at heart forever and always.

There was defiantly cons growing up the way I did, but the pros outweighed them by way too much. I learned how to carry myself and be confident with who I am. I am not afraid to speak my mind and defend my values. I know how to talk to just about anyone. I love being on a team. I have learned respect and responsibility through sports, because if you weren't respectful to your coaches or team mates you would be punished. I learned how to be caring, competitive and hard working. I learned how to be a friend and how to  listen when you need me. Most of all I learned to stick with things you love and follow your dream until it comes true. Hockey was always there for me and got me everything I have today. Sports taught me lessons teachers and parents couldn't.

I am proud of the way I grew up, and even more proud of who I became. From not being a girly girl to being one that is strong, independent and tough is a combination I'd never choose to change. Despite the fact it took me forever to realize who I became  today, I love how I changed and grew overtime. I will never regret any the life lesson sports and my family have taught me. All the late night baseball games on the beach, long road trips all over North America for hockey games, missing endless parties, dances, hangouts, and leaving home at a young age to pursue my dreams. All these made me into who I am today, and I am proud of journey I survived.