In My Own Words: Jennifer Ramsey

As we move forward through this current period of uncertainty, Wright State Athletics has continued to live our P.S.A. model and transform the lives of our student-athletes: First, as People; Second, as Students; and Third, as Athletes. With those principles in mind, we have opened the floor to our student-athletes, and our Raiders have opened up and written first-hand accounts of how their daily lives have changed in this new series "In My Own Words."

This letter is from Jennifer Ramsey, a junior on the women's track & field team.

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Wow this can't be real. I never wanted this to be the way my track career would end. If you don't know, I am currently a junior but planned to graduate this summer, a year earlier than planned, and this season would be my last. My main event is the 400m race. I worked so hard during indoor season, and was so proud of myself and my accomplishments. My goal was to make outdoor season 10x better and exceed my goals so that I could be proud and know that I gave my ALL to end my career. Now I don't even have that chance.

This whole year my mindset has been to give my all and bust my butt, because I know that in years to come I'd be upset if I didn't. I'd be so angry watching my own kids, in the future, or just anyone run track, and only wishing, 'man I should've went hard, I had so much talent, what was I thinking.'

One of my goals was to be able to improve every single race, like I did during indoor season, and run fast times that I've never ran. I wanted to be able to leave my story on the track and hopefully be an inspiration for some knowing that whenever you really focus and put your mind to something, anything is possible.

Man.... I was just getting started, I had so much in me and so much to prove to myself. Even though I might not be the fastest, I've worked hard to even get back to where I was in high school before I pulled both of my hamstrings.

Technically I would still have a whole year left of eligibility to compete and I would love to take the opportunity. My mom has paid for my schooling every single year since I was in kindergarten, but because of my hard work and being able to finish college a year early, we've had our minds set that this semester would be the last time she'd have to pay for my schooling.

If I were to come back next school year, it would only be if I could earn or qualify for scholarships that would cover my leftover tuition and housing costs. I am grateful for everything my mom has done for me, and I know she has other financial costs she needs to focus on. This is probably the most stressful thing for me right now because I want to finish competing, but I also know that if I don't find enough scholarships this is the end.

I just want everyone to know... that we should never take anything for granted. Especially when you know something will be your last time ever doing it. If you don't give your all, you'll be upset in years to come, and only WISH that you should've, could've, and would've, accomplished so much more. Cherish every moment you have and always remember that everything will usually always come to an end. Whether it's your last day of school ever, last day of work, last race or game, etc. give it your all or at least try to end on a positive note.

Although some things you may not have enjoyed as much, everything is always a memory or a learning lesson.

I also know that not everyone gets the opportunity to run at a collegiate or even Division I level like I did. It'd be so selfish of me to not take my blessings serious. God didn't make me athletic for no reason.

With any opportunity you get in life, you should never take it for granted because not everyone gets that same chance as you. I know there are people who would do ANYTHING to be in my position and just have the chance to even run track at this level. I think sometimes we as people take our opportunities for granted because it's always been a part of our life and we would never even think twice about it being taken away.

But just like your life could end at any moment, so can any opportunity.

Sometimes we can be so blinded to the fact that God has blessed us with so many talents that other people can only wish was them.

Don't let an opportunity to be great become a reality check for you that not everything is promised. Even if the people around you aren't working hard or are being negative… don't worry about them. Stay in your own lane and focus on you. In the future, they'll be the ones saying they wish they would've been more serious like you. Be a leader, not a follower.

As of now, I am trying to stay as positive as I can with everything going on. This semester I am taking 21 credits, so with everything moving online I've had a lot of work every week, but I'm getting through it. It's also different being at home, when I know I should be at school. I love being around my family and friends from home, but at school it was an environment where I could really focus on me, my schoolwork and track. Being at home, I've realized how hard it is to really be self-disciplined. I am working on getting up early every day, so that I can do my schoolwork, workout, work on my goals for the upcoming weeks and months and I've had a lot of time to think about my plans for after I graduate.

Although sometimes I may have taken being an hour away from home, having my own space, and being disciplined with schoolwork and everyday workouts for granted, I am going to miss it all. It's sad that it had to end this way for me, but I know that God has a plan for everyone and after every storm always comes a rainbow. During this hard time, I am trying my best to see the light at the end of tunnel because even though track is over for me, it's not the end of the world because I still have so much life to live.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Ramsey

Players Mentioned

Jennifer Ramsey

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