On the Court

It's that time of year again. Basketball season! For the past 9 years of my life I have spent every winter thinking, playing, talking, and even sleeping basketball. Seriously, sleeping! I fell asleep on the way to a game once, and I woke up with my hands out to catch the ball. And of course some teammmates witnessed the whole thing. But what I really cherish about basketball are my memories of giving everything while I was on the court.

Now that my first winter is here without basketball games and practice as a steady companion, I started thinking about what it was about the court that made my adrenaline rush and my spirits soar. I thought about my teammates and excuting the perfect play or defensive attack. I thought about the ultimate high of scoring a needed basket and becoming the center of attention in the game for a split moment. I thought about the passion, dedication, and love. And then I thought about the decision to be there- the action it took to be a player, not an observer.

Today, I stood on the recreational court of State Gym at Iowa State University. A newly renovated and expanded facility, I had found a way into the gym a month before it opens to the rest of the Iowa State students. I got involved with leadership on campus and met Dr. Hill, the Vice President of Student Affairs at Iowa State University. He jokingly told me I could be the first one to swim in the new pool. I set up an appointment with him to see his joke through. Turns out swimming in the pool early won't work because I'll be in China for the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers, but we came up with another option. So, I toured the new gym with a few friends this afternoon.

I realized getting to enjoy some really amazing opportunities and moments in life isn't normally because things "fall in to place." It takes planning, hard work, and a whole lot of faith. It takes action. I didn't play basketball for 9 years without some blood, a lot of sweat, and a few tears. But I also didn't play without showing up to practice and keeping my head in the game. I didn't tour the new gym early because I staying in my dorm room studying frantically or just hanging out. I really wanted these opportunities to be a part of my life. So I decided they would be.

Think about something you love. I mean really, really; could-never-lose love. How can you fulfill that passion? How can you make something your moment? How will you get off the sidelines and onto the court?

Be a person of action. Pursue every goal you make. Believe in the power of you. And remember, there are thousands of people in blue jackets across the country who are rooting for you.

On the court and beneath the rising sun,

Hillary