Ranch Reflections are articles written by LRHS students and staff who want to share their experiences, thoughts, and concerns. This is a great opportunity for Mustangs to branch out beyond traditional news stories.  In this edition an LRHS Mustang considers what to do after injuries ended longtime sports involvement.

Krista Khalil – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - For as long as I can remember, I have always had something to do.

Whether it was playing volleyball or rowing, I liked having something to work toward and something that kept me busy. I played volleyball from fifth through eighth grade, and it became a big part of my life. However, after injuring my knee, I had to give it up.

Later, during my freshman year of high school, I joined rowing. I found a new sport to put my time and energy into, and I enjoyed having something to work toward again. Unfortunately, I injured my shoulder, which forced me to quit rowing, too.

Now, as a sophomore, I feel like I am back at the beginning. Two things that once gave me a purpose are no longer part of my life, and I am still trying to figure out what comes next. It is hard going from having a schedule full of practices and goals to having to find something new to fill that space.

I miss having something that feels like mine, something I can look forward to after a long day at school.

Lately, I have been trying to find that feeling in new ways. I have started focusing more on going to the gym and looking for a job. I want to have a routine, meet new people, make money, and find something that gives me a reason to get up and keep going.

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I know I might not find my “thing” right away, and it might not even be a sport this time. Maybe it will be something I never expected to enjoy.

I am learning that finding my “thing” is not about having my entire life figured out. It is about trying new things, being open to change, and figuring out what makes me happy.

Losing volleyball and rowing were not planned, but it has given me the chance to discover a different side of myself. I am still figuring out who I am and what I want, and that is okay.

I may not have found my “thing” yet, but I am willing to keep looking until I do.