A lot can happen in your life during the short four years of college. Initially, I always hoped college would be the best years of my life. Little did I know, it was going to be the biggest rollercoaster I could ever imagine. At 19 years old, I went into college with little expectations. I was just a kid, trying to figure out how to live on my own when my parents had spoon-fed me nearly my entire life. To make matters even more challenging, my parents practically dropped me off at the airport and said their goodbyes. Thanks for that!! Haha.

Inevitably, I cried for the entirety of both flights while accepting comfort from the strangers I was sitting next to. I think one couple was even going on a romantic vacation – whoops! I hope they had a wonderful trip. Soon enough, I landed in Lexington, KY, and suddenly, I felt a brush of strength go up to my spine. It was gorgeous, the airport was directly over acres of grassy horse property and I felt at peace. This was it.

My freshmen year was Incredible from the start. I met some long-lasting friends early on. Many of which, I am still close with to this day. The beauty of freshmen year was we were all so young, figuring out life as each day would pass by. We spent many late nights together, had lots of laughs, and I was playing the sport I loved. I will never forget ordering pizzas to the dorms and the long sought-after ping-pong battles in the common areas. You truly will never forget your freshmen year of college.

Ever heard of the sophomore slump? Yep, that was real thing. I noticed after summer, and I had to start to develop feelings of anxiety/depression. Even though I wasn’t sure exactly what was bothering me, it was everything all at once. Although my depression ended up stemming from some childhood trauma that crept back into my life, the added stress of maintaining golf, school, and social life was becoming too much for me. I ended up buying a puppy that fall, and he made me feel calm in stressful situations.

What I didn’t realize is that taking care of a puppy in an apartment while being a full time student-athlete was nearly impossible.

It seemed like nothing would go my way this year. I chased after the wrong boy again. Then got into a relationship that should have never happened. It is better to be alone than with someone who doesn’t spark an immediate connection. This took me many years to realize, unfortunately.

Amidst all the scar tissue and hurt I was feeling, I knew I had a much bigger purpose than to let these negative emotions get the best of me. My mother had also struggled with depression and anxiety and made it her mission to prioritize my mental health. Looking back, she must have seen something in me that I couldn’t at the time.

Important Reminder: Life is beautiful. We are so lucky to walk this earth. Please, don’t ever forget that. 

Moving forward, I went home and had an unbelievable summer. I went back to school refreshed and was ready to embark on my third year of college. I struggled with some more personal issues but persevered through them with great mentors like my golf coach and friends. Now onto my junior year, spring semester. This was easily one of the hardest seasons of my life.

After flying back to Arizona for a quick spring break because my coach gave us the weekend off, I received a phone call from my dad. I will never forget that moment. I was getting ice cream with my golf team when he could barely get the words out that my mother had passed unexpectedly after a minor heart procedure. Suddenly, my life just went up in smokes. My mom held the glue together in our house, and now that was all tarnished. I dropped to my knees and felt like I had just lost a part of my soul. Losing a parent was a very numbing feeling.

As the oil thickened in my heart, I got through that semester the best way I could. I truly believe I was sent to EKU for a divine purpose. I fell in love with my studies and met some extraordinary people who were meant to stay.

In addition, I learned that it was important to push forward no matter the circumstance and not dwell on the hardships. Overcoming tragedies is a hard thing to do, but the sunshine will come back. I promise.

Now for my last year as a college student, senior year. It’s crazy how fast time flies. My team got the closest it ever had, and I even made new friends with people in my classes. Golf was great to me that fall, even getting a solid 2nd place in a big field. I felt that I was finally building momentum in my life again.

Ugh, then COVID-19 hit, and our world started to crumble together. The world was in turmoil, many lives were lost, and college sports were canceled that semester. It was so heartbreaking to witness all of the hurt in the world. My biggest takeaway from the pandemic was that great things often come to those who wait. It was heartbreaking to leave in the way I did but I had to find my way back to myself. Remember, people that love you will never let you go.

Since my college golf career has ended, I moved back home to pursue my golf career professionally. After chasing that for about two years, I developed another hand/wrist injury. This led me to hang up my dream of playing on the LPGA Tour. Fast forward to now, I am not playing competitive golf; I work in Public Relations full-time. It is truly a passion of mine to be a storyteller and write for a living. I also ended a long-term relationship, which taught me that you will not shine as bright when it isn’t right. I am happy to report that I am thriving on my own…well, not entirely. I have two crazy Cavapoos.

As we all know, good things must come to an end, or maybe they don’t? I’ve learned that life has a funny way of showing us that some of the most sacred things have been directly in front of us the whole time. – Sorry to leave you on a cliffhanger. I am still writing that out… to be continued. Sometimes, life and hardships may get in the way, but never give up. As you read earlier, even the most challenging moments can blossom into rainbows and sunshine. I hope whoever is reading this can be inspired to go find their sunshine.

Sweetly, 

Samantha