XAVIER LUCAS MONROE

To be a college athlete at any division requires hours and hours of commitment. As a result i think many of us identify and value our self worth based on performances in our respective arenas. I’ve had games or even practices where i don’t play up to my standards. Afterwards i won’t talk to anyone, it seems like the world is ending sometimes. You put in all that hard work and you don’t perform well, it can be an incredibly helpless and frustrating feeling. That’s a lot of pressure to handle as a young person, and unfortunately many of us can’t cope with it in a healthy manner. I’ve come to realize a few things over the years that have helped me though. First off it’s fine to have a bad day, learn from the experience and use it to improve. Second, the only real failure is within your own mind. If you truly  believe you did all you could to prepare for competition then you haven’t failed, it just wasn’t your day, but if you continue to work hard then next time will be. Most importantly, we’re more than athletes, we have an incredible tool box of talents at our disposal that we may have gained from athletics but they apply to everyday life. So don’t measure your value by each and every performance, because that’s a that’s a big part of your life but a small part of who you are. I hope that people take mental health seriously, not just for others but themselves. If you need help get it, if you can give help give it. Most people fight these battles so understand you’re far from alone.