When leaving for college, I was hesitant to choose UMass Amherst for a few reasons. First, it is only about a thirty minute drive from my house. I had applied to mostly southern schools and had a desire to get out of Western Massachusetts. Second, it was hugely intimidating compared to my three-hundred fifty person high school. I had never been in an environment where I didn’t know everyone. Up until May 1st, I really saw myself in North Carolina. However, with a scholarship and financial stability here at home, I decided to give UMass a shot and hope for the best.
Growing up, my family has always been into athletics. I started soccer from age four and basketball at five and played both through my senior year of high school. Basketball in particular is what my dad and I always looked forward to. He had coached me in rec games during elementary and middle school, and volunteered and assisted the team throughout my high-school years. Not only that, but the countless games we would watch and analyze together in-person or on the couch were something I looked forward to after a long day. He was always my biggest supporter and would do anything to make sure I could play the game I loved.
When I decided on UMass, my dad went ahead and bought season tickets to the mens basketball team. We used to come all the time when I was younger with my brother or my suburban team, and now it had come full circle that I was going to school there. So now when he has the day off and is able to come up, he drives out and we go watch the games together like nothing has changed. I knew I was going to miss this bond my dad and I had after I finished my senior season and went off to school in the fall. There would be no more game prep, no more film watching, and no more Celtics games after homework and before bed. It would never quite be the same. This tradition allows me to have a sense of home and security when I’m feeling overwhelmed or intimidated.
Though I didn’t have too much of a change of scenery when I chose to go to school in the same area I’ve grown up in, it definitely wasn’t the wrong decision. I still had a huge culture shock when it came to size, responsibility, and social life at UMass. But I also have a connection to home that I don’t wish to sever anytime soon. I am so grateful for basketball and the ability it gives me to stay close with my dad even when he can feel really far away.
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