A Letter to My Younger Self
Dear 18-year-old Monica,
You made it, you are about to embark on an amazing journey that you have worked so hard for. This has not been an easy journey; through trials and tribulations, you have prevailed and finally received your acceptance letter to the United States Military Academy.
It is important to always stop and be grateful for all the opportunities around you. From a very young age, you knew that you were meant to do something great in your life. You never could quite put your finger on it, but you never felt satisfied with the status quo. Although this was very prevalent in your everyday life, it was highlighted in your athletic career. Soccer, track, dance, and volleyball gave you an environment to truly strive to be the best you could be. When picking a college, it was very important to you to be able to continue your athletic career, not even two knee surgeries would keep you from that. On your official visit to USMA, everything just clicked. You knew the second that you stepped on campus that this was the school you needed to attend. I want to gladly say this feeling, even after five years (USMAPS), has never wavered. You made it and if I have never said it before, I am proud of you.
It is time for you to take charge of your academic and athletic journey.
Always remember why you are doing what you are doing. Beast will be difficult but doable. There will be harder moments with intermixed easier ones. Some days will feel like they never end, but weeks will fly by. You WILL make it, you WILL get to track.
Once Beast is over, keep your head down and get through classes. Make friends, spread your wings but never lose sight of what we are striving to do. Take all practices seriously, listen to your coaches, and take everything in from the upperclassmen on the team. Prove yourself every day and never leave Gillis without thinking you got 1% better that day. The times will be tough, but it will be worth it in the end.
I know it is tough to even think about the future but the time will come when you will be a firstie and on the road to graduating. Cherish the moments that you have with the people you have around you. Immerse yourself in every aspect of school and track. Focus on making friends and deepening your connection with everyone on the team. The team will become your family. They will push you to practice harder, run faster, and compete at a higher level. You will travel the world with them and create memories that you will remember forever.
All in all, your cadet career is going to go by so fast. You will blink and you will be getting ready for the last track meet of your college career. Always remember that every meet counts, it is not always about winning your heat but being present in the moment and understanding what all the training is for.
I know that was a lot but if you only take away one thing I say, please remember: through everything and anything, never give up, be okay with being uncomfortable, and make true friendships along the way. The track is a pathway to so much in your life, be grateful for your opportunity to do what you love every day. You are going to do amazing things here at West Point, enjoy your time and have fun.
Best of Luck,
-Monica Smith, West Point Class of 2023