You've recently completed the orientation Pride program and learned about the five pillars of Lehigh Athletics – Self-Awareness, Integrity, Competitiveness, Toughness and Team-First Mentality. Little did you know the development and growth that would occur in these areas throughout your time at Lehigh.
Let's start with Self-Awareness. Being a Division I student-athlete, a large portion of your identity has been about being a lacrosse player. Your lacrosse identity is something you have always been proud of and something that has brought you great joy since you were a little girl. Over the years at Lehigh, however, you'll realize that you are much more than an athlete. You will set goals for yourself in the classroom and graduate with Highest Honors. In prioritizing your academics, you will take care of business in the classroom, which will open doors to wonderful opportunities along the way. You'll come to realize that being a student-athlete at Lehigh is a great privilege, and one that comes with great responsibility. You will become a Co-Captain of Community Outreach by Athletes who Care about Helping (C.O.A.C.H.) where you'll develop a passion for service and helping those in the community who may be less privileged. Your Lehigh experience will make you more self-aware regarding what drives you, what is important to you, and how your actions affect others.
Balestra at Adopt-A-Family
The next pillar is Integrity. You will learn that it is an honor and a privilege to represent Lehigh across your chest every day at practice, in the weight room and in games. You'll strive every single day to uphold this commitment and you will do so with great pride. You have strong values and morals instilled in you from your family and a clear sense of right and wrong that you will not be willing to surrender. You will respect everyone and make a conscious effort to be inclusive and intentional with your words and actions.
The third pillar is Competitiveness. You'll be surrounded by great talent, both on the lacrosse field and in the classroom. The bar will constantly be raised, and this will drive you to continually better yourself. You'll learn to be a healthy competitor, and your will to win and succeess will be transferrable from the lacrosse field and classroom to the corporate world.
Next is Toughness. Your toughness will be tested, both mentally and physically. You'll be expected to be completely present at practice with two midterms the following morning. You'll race your teammates up South Mountain, complete multiple 6 a.m. run tests, and jump in freezing cold ice baths. These were once dreadful occurrences, but in completing them, you've realized just how capable you and your teammates are.
Last but not least, Team-First. You will put "we" before "me" because your teammates are a priority. You will make personal sacrifices for the good of the team, and you will grow in doing so. You'll learn how your strengths can complement others and you will go out of your way to ensure your teammates always feel important and included. You'll always be a part of a greater team in life, whether it be your family or at work, and your Lehigh experience has prepared you to effectively do so.
Your favorite quote has always been, "The best things in life are the people we love, the places we've been and the memories we've made along the way." Although you won't truly know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory, you will confidently say that Lehigh has afforded you amazing opportunities and memories, introduced you to friends who became family and became a second place to call home.
You'll have a lot to be proud of. Stay humble, stay kind and go get 'em.
