Tough to Leave Behind

Posted By: Kelsey Ellis
Posted On: August 21st, 2016
Attending: Trinity College Dublin

It’s pretty tough to leave behind two people that would sacrifice anything they have for you. My dad has been in the gym with me ever since I could carry a ball, teaching me how to shoot with one hand, how to dribble without staring at the ball (still hard for me to do), and how to beat him in every shooting game there is (not so hard). Once I expressed to him that my goal was to get a scholarship to play in college, he spent every waking moment that he wasn’t at the office working on my highlight film, researching schools, and emailing coaches. That man sent out anywhere between 50-100 films to coaches. He embraced his role as my agent in full stride, and I have to give him props because he really didn’t have much to work with. I was a slow, 5’8” white woman with not much to offer aside from a 3-point shot. But he somehow did it. My dad honestly deserves all the credit for getting me my scholarship to Furman.

 

And once I was at Furman, there were several times during my first few years where I didn’t think I could do it. I almost let my weakness overcome me a few times, but he was always the one on the phone telling me that quitting wasn’t an option or that if I could just push through then it would get better. And he was right. This opportunity to be a Victory Scholar with SCL has made everything worth it. So hugging my dad goodbye at the airport was tough, but I know that he wouldn’t want anything else for me.

 

It was equally as hard to say goodbye to my mom as we both got into our separate taxis in New York City. My mom is my best friend. Every time I see a new cool thing in Ireland, my first thought is, “Wow, I can’t wait for her to get here. She’s gonna love this.” She’s the first one I call when I’ve had a great day or a terrible day, when I have any question about laundry or how to cook toast or when I can’t find my shoes. Even though she rarely answers her phone on the first try, I know that wherever I am or whatever is going on in my life, she’ll be there to listen and to provide some wisdom and insight. Just like with my dad, leaving was tough, but I know that she’s just as excited as I am about this new adventure in my life. I can’t count the number of times both of them told me, “Kelsey, you better keep us updated on your life. I want a phone call at least once every two days or I’m going to come over there and give you a very stern talking to.” They’re so scary, right?

 

Since I’ve been here, I’ve talked to one or both of them almost every day. In a new and excited time in my life like this, I’m so appreciative to have two parents who are eager to laugh and cry with me through everything. Even though they’re 4000 miles away, it really doesn’t feel like I’ve left anyone behind.

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