This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit my best friend Natalie in Luxembourg. Natalie and I played AAU Basketball together for years and created our inseparable bond through our countless hours in the gym over the summer working on our skills and conditioning. We went to middle school together and played on the same team but never really bonded until high school. It all began with our passion for basketball. She has and always will be someone that I look up too. When my mother was first diagnosed with Cancer, Natalie and I decided to get our matching tattoos with the quote “She believed she could, so she did” and the breast cancer ribbon in honour of both our moms. To this day, that tattoo has motivated me to strive for my dreams and achieve them.
She is now a professional basketball player in Europe, which is her dream come true. I always knew she was capable of playing overseas and she has finally been blessed with her opportunity. We grew up saying that one day we would both be in Europe playing basketball, and technically, we are! My position as a Victory Scholar allows me to continue to play the game I love as well as inspire those younger than me. I truly am blessed. Natalie is living and breathing proof that dreams do come true as well. My visit with her made me realise how proud I am of her for all her hard work. I’m honoured to call her my best friend but even more blessed to have someone in my life (so close to Ireland) who shares my passion for the game.
Natalie is one of many people I have seen achieve their dream. I genuinely feel joy when I see people striving to achieve what others may think is impossible. I’ve realised that success is a term that differs for so many people. I believe that true success is the achievement of one’s dream. It isn’t about the money in your bank account or the size of your home, but rather the happiness you are filled because you get to do what you love. It is important to recognise you own personal success but to support other people and celebrate their success is vital as well. This is for everyone out their following their dreams, I wish you nothing but the best!
Follow your heart
