It was not until I took a seat by the runway for the final time that I realized how much Harvard track and field had impacted my college experience. It is humbling, to say the least. I never imagined myself being in the predicament that I am currently in- unable to compete due to chronic injury. That is, however, what makes it all so beautiful. The intricacy of taking care of my body is part of my sport. It is part of what makes a jumper a great one. Every little ache must be given attention, and every twitch of the muscle properly rubbed before further damage is done. My experiences in this community have taught me many things- love, kindness, patience.
 
The coaches, teammates, athletic trainers and directors have all had some impact in my life. Even when there was disagreement, the end goal was always to prioritize my health and well-being. With love, I was able to care for myself and my teammates. I was able to show
compassion in good times and bad. With kindness, I was able to share parts of myself that were never given to others before. I took the time to intentionally provide my teammates with what they had needed. With patience, I was able to understand myself and teammates. I realized that a large component of the sport is taking time, even if the dining hall would be on the verge of closing as I trekked across the bridge from a late practice.
 
Today, whatever day it may be for you, just know that you are doing amazing. Whether it is having to go to the training room every day to get something taped, doing a bike workout, encouraging your teammates from the sidelines or dreading the last 300m in your workout; you are doing amazing. Feel no need to compare where you are in your journey to where someone else is. Everyone is going down a different path in these sports.
 
Without track and field, I feel empty. I genuinely do not know what to do with myself between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. With this new journey that life has to offer, Harvard track and field has taught me that I will never let go of this sport. I have grown so much more into what it means to me. It isn't just about competing, jumping far and winning medals. It is also about the depth of connection between the people who are beside me through it all. #KebbaKrew4Life