Maddy Leigh

A few weeks ago I went to my best friend’s track meet.

I forgot what it was like to be a part of a team. Like, I was just watching my best friend cheer so loudly for her teammate during the race. Screaming supportive words to them as they ran around the curve. I literally got goosebumps just watching my best friend be a good teammate; I hadn’t even seen her run in the actual race yet.

Then I took it all in. The reason why people were there in the first place. Being part of a team, you want to perform well individually. But, it’s the team, we, who wins, not just you or me. Instead of the competitive, individual versus individual, it felt very whole. Like UW-Eau Claire was there, win or lose together. Maybe that’s how my best friend sees it and I took on her perspective.

Yet, some of these people will spend almost every day of college with you! They become family. They genuinely want to see you succeed and thrive. Part of being a team is that the only way you will succeed is if you do it together. Maybe that’s why I felt it was so sincere when I was there. I felt love pouring out of their hearts for each other.

I don’t think there is any feeling quite like having your name screamed out by the people you surround yourself with. A lot of the time, athletics seems to be one of the few with people screaming your name. However, everyone can be part of something bigger. Perhaps a student organization, a job, a fan club: literally anything you want! Find people that want the best for you. Will they all scream your name? Probably not. But when you find them, you will know.