Erie, Pa., – The iconic American tradition of “back-to-school” season has ushered photographic/ memorable moments like “first” this, “first” that, especially within Gen-Z. However, these moments are bookended with “last first” moments. Senior year is the notorious front-runner of these types of moments.
Last Tuesday, I had my last ever first practice of the year. This seems minuscule, considering how many other practices and bigger events are soon to follow. I hadn’t even recognized this milestone until I spoke with another senior athlete on my team about it. But the message of a last first practice means a lot to me, as I reflected on the fact that for the past 16 years, I have been an athlete. Ever since I was six years old, I have been practicing and competing at an incredibly intense and high level. For most of my life I have been a gymnast, flipping my body over and doing unthinkable skills for the average person because I truly loved it. And suddenly, on an average Tuesday in August, I kickstarted the last athletic season of my life.
I remember my last firsts from when I was a competitive gymnast my senior year of high school before I moved across the country to be on Gannon’s acrobatics and tumbling team. The feelings were similar, as I had done my entire gymnastics career at the same gym and had grown up spending 20-plus hours a week there. However, I knew my career was not over, and I was off to learn an entirely new sport and fulfill my lifelong dream of being a collegiate athlete.
“My senior year made me realize how important those little moments are. You never realize how much you already miss it, and how much you’re going to miss it until it’s over. It was crazy to
realize how fast time goes, especially after my injury (Achilles tear) and wanting so badly to be back. Now that I get another chance, I don’t want to take things for granted like I may have last year” (Grace Harrick, fifth-year athlete on GU acrobatics and tumbling).
Although her senior year didn’t go as planned, Harrick still described some “core memories” that made her feel special and relish in her own journey of senior year.
“-the focus wasn’t on me senior night. But the support I got and felt made it one of my favorite days of all last year. People were talking to me the whole night and congratulating me, and it seriously sunk in that this was a senior night for me too. My favorite part was Dr. Deimel walking up to me during the meet and taking my crutch away, clearing me to walk right then and there. That was really awesome” (Harrick).
I have had the honor and privilege here at Gannon to have excellent examples of senior classes. Seeing some of my teammates experience and take joy in their last firsts and other stereotypical senior moments made it all the more special for me to look forward to.
Whether it be on the mat or in the classroom, I’m ready to bask in the moment of these last firsts, as I’m truly lucky to be able to experience them with the opportunities and joy surrounding me. I encourage those in their final year of school or athletics to do the same, as hard work, sacrifice, and a community of commitment have been poured into making the journey possible.
