Lehigh University Athletics
From The Future: Dear First-Year Payton
5/26/2020 10:35:00 AM | Women's Swimming and Diving, Student Athlete, Flight 45, Intellectual Development
Dear First-Year Payton,
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As you pack up your final belongings and say your last goodbyes before heading off to Lehigh, you may be thinking to yourself that your high school years have prepared you for the road ahead. While that may be partially true, it is also important to remember that college is a whole new ball game. The experiences, the people, and the work are going to be different, so it is important to embrace that and so much more. So as you make your journey to Lehigh, dwell on these key points:
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Take advantage of all opportunities that come your way.
Yes, your academics and your sport will take up most of your time while at Lehigh. But do not let that scare you. Branch out. Make friends with people in your dorm and in your major. Apply for leadership positions, even if you do not get selected the first time around. Learn how to network! You never know where your connections will take you in the future.Â
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Do not stress over what you cannot control.
The reality of life is that not everyone is going to agree with you or your decisions. Things aren't always going to play out in your favor. But do not lose sight of yourself or what you stand for just for the sake of others. Instead, view each obstacle as a learning experience. If something doesn't go as planned, roll with the punches. Focus your time on the things that you can control – your academics, your work ethic in and out of the pool and your relationships.
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Focus your energy on the people and things that make you feel good.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be your best self, whether that's a coach, a roommate, a teammate or a professor. Your vibe attracts your tribe. So do not allow negative people or experiences to dictate your happiness. You are at a point in your life now where you are in full control. You will learn that it is okay to cut off ties in order to be at peace with yourself. It is okay to end relationships in order to form new ones. Do not hold onto negativity. Be a little selfish when it comes to your happiness – do things for yourself and no one else every once in a while.
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Do not take everything so seriously.
Your time at Lehigh is limited. Four years may seem like an eternity when you wake up for early-morning practices or stay up late cramming for an exam. But those nuisances are limited, too. Rather than looking at your daily routine as just that, remember that this is the only point in your life where you get to do the things you are doing right now. Have fun with your routine and learn how to make each day a new, positive one. Blast the music at 6 a.m. practice. Do not beat yourself up over a lousy race or a poor exam grade. Take the criticism from your coaches and run with it. Do not take everything to heart. You are only human.
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"When things become uncertain, lean into the uncertainty."
A professor will tell you this via Zoom during what was supposed to be your senior spring – the semester that you and your friends had been waiting for. You may be tempted to look to the future during hard periods of time at Lehigh. But the future is uncertain. So embrace the now. Pay extra attention in the classes that may seem to bore you. Do not pass up a coffee date with a friend because you need a nap. Take pictures of anything and everything. Spend a little more time in the showers after practice catching up with teammates. Go for a drive around town with your roommate just so you can listen to your favorite song. All of the simple memories that may be quick to pass by will end up being the most special ones.
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So First-Year Payton, good luck during this new chapter of your life. Remember to always stay positive, be grateful, call your family and embrace each and every day for what it has to offer you.
Â
Love always,
Senior-Year Pay
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As you pack up your final belongings and say your last goodbyes before heading off to Lehigh, you may be thinking to yourself that your high school years have prepared you for the road ahead. While that may be partially true, it is also important to remember that college is a whole new ball game. The experiences, the people, and the work are going to be different, so it is important to embrace that and so much more. So as you make your journey to Lehigh, dwell on these key points:
Â
Take advantage of all opportunities that come your way.
Yes, your academics and your sport will take up most of your time while at Lehigh. But do not let that scare you. Branch out. Make friends with people in your dorm and in your major. Apply for leadership positions, even if you do not get selected the first time around. Learn how to network! You never know where your connections will take you in the future.Â
Â
Do not stress over what you cannot control.
The reality of life is that not everyone is going to agree with you or your decisions. Things aren't always going to play out in your favor. But do not lose sight of yourself or what you stand for just for the sake of others. Instead, view each obstacle as a learning experience. If something doesn't go as planned, roll with the punches. Focus your time on the things that you can control – your academics, your work ethic in and out of the pool and your relationships.
Â
Focus your energy on the people and things that make you feel good.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be your best self, whether that's a coach, a roommate, a teammate or a professor. Your vibe attracts your tribe. So do not allow negative people or experiences to dictate your happiness. You are at a point in your life now where you are in full control. You will learn that it is okay to cut off ties in order to be at peace with yourself. It is okay to end relationships in order to form new ones. Do not hold onto negativity. Be a little selfish when it comes to your happiness – do things for yourself and no one else every once in a while.
Â
Do not take everything so seriously.
Your time at Lehigh is limited. Four years may seem like an eternity when you wake up for early-morning practices or stay up late cramming for an exam. But those nuisances are limited, too. Rather than looking at your daily routine as just that, remember that this is the only point in your life where you get to do the things you are doing right now. Have fun with your routine and learn how to make each day a new, positive one. Blast the music at 6 a.m. practice. Do not beat yourself up over a lousy race or a poor exam grade. Take the criticism from your coaches and run with it. Do not take everything to heart. You are only human.
Â
"When things become uncertain, lean into the uncertainty."
A professor will tell you this via Zoom during what was supposed to be your senior spring – the semester that you and your friends had been waiting for. You may be tempted to look to the future during hard periods of time at Lehigh. But the future is uncertain. So embrace the now. Pay extra attention in the classes that may seem to bore you. Do not pass up a coffee date with a friend because you need a nap. Take pictures of anything and everything. Spend a little more time in the showers after practice catching up with teammates. Go for a drive around town with your roommate just so you can listen to your favorite song. All of the simple memories that may be quick to pass by will end up being the most special ones.
Â
So First-Year Payton, good luck during this new chapter of your life. Remember to always stay positive, be grateful, call your family and embrace each and every day for what it has to offer you.
Â
Love always,
Senior-Year Pay
Â
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