Left Home For What

There are two reasons I didn’t want to leave home. The number one reason is because of my family. They are everything. My family always provided me with a learning environment to help me be a better person, student, and athlete. They never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do, and they always supported the decisions I made. No matter the struggles, I am blessed to have a strong and loving family.

The second reason was that I was in my comfort zone. There was no reason for me to change and disrupt the current status of who I was. People on the Big Island knew my name. I had the grades. Everyone knew I played basketball and soccer and did really well. What more could I have asked for? I could’ve played soccer for the University on my island, for free. This was the perfect situation. There was no need for a fresh start because I was already home.

But the question I had to ask myself was “how do I develop without an athletic career?” I had no idea what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but my choice to be excellent was second to none. No matter what the future held for me, being around sports and athletics was what I wanted. This place I call home, would it provide me with an opportunity to be my best self?

My parents did not have the opportunity to go to college and graduate with a 4-year degree. Where I lived, many people graduated high school and stayed home without experiencing a new place. I had a negative idea about what leaving home for a significant amount of time would be like. My siblings are all younger than me and I wanted to set a standard as well as reduce the fear of leaving home for them. Although the states are not an easy flight away, my parents supported my thought of leaving for school. Of course, I was nervous, but who wouldn’t be? But I made the decision to fly to a different state for my college career.

This was the best decision I have ever made. I had an opportunity to refine my talents and abilities. A new network developed as I searched for what I really wanted to do. Every new experience tested my strengths and weaknesses in a positive way. Although I missed home very much, home will always be there waiting for me. 

I want my family, friends, and colleagues to understand that nothing comes easy, but anything is possible. Every individual is unique in their own way. Step out of your comfort zone to find what you love, what makes you happy and why it makes you happy. Now I am a coach and a teacher doing my absolute best to learn every day and inspire others to do the same.