I wrote my last update on the verge of leaving my house to go and speak at the first ever CT Disability Film Festival. Can I tell you how amazing that was?! I had the opportunity to give some first hand experience to the audience about training for 2012 after the viewing of Warrior Champions. First off, I absolutely loved the film. I actually watched it twice over that weekend and could not tell you how many times I got the shivers. For those of you who haven't seen it yet it's about the journey of wounded soldiers who set the goal of competing in the 2008 Paralympics. I was extremely heart warmed when watching my friend, Melissa Stockwell's journey (shout out to Melissa) to Beijing in swimming. I can honestly say that I know where these athletes are coming from in regards to training up to trials, not knowing what will happen, but putting absolutely 100% in everyday practices, regardless of the ups and downs. I had a great time answering questions about training for London and giving advice to others about living out your dreams. BIG shout out to Harriet and the Mandell JCC for putting this on and inviting me to share my story, I had an amazing time!
On April 10th I finally broke the 1998 100 Back (25 meter) American Record! If you look at my past October blog I wrote about how I set a goal of breaking it at a home meet during winter season. It was so worth the wait because I went well under the record time. Prior to April I wrote down a bunch of small goals going up to trials and breaking this record was one of them. I'm so grateful for my coaches (shout out to my CCAT Team) who have taken so much time to really understand the impacts of Muscular Dystrophy in regards to training. I know for a fact I would not be where I am today without my team.
So I've been trying to stay away from social media. On Wednesday, April 11th I deactivated my Facebook. I know such a shocker! I was thinking about doing that for a while, to get a clear mind and focus on my training. And how long did my social media vaca last? 9 days...SAD! I'm actually having someone else control my Facebook for the next 3 weeks so if you do need to reach me, please email me at kouragemakesdif@aol.com. Also last night my sister challenged me to going without my IPhone for 24 hours. Little did she know that's been a goal on my 2012 bucklet list and I doubled it to 48 hours because I know I'm not addicted to my phone. So far I have not checked my phone since 7:30pm on April 20th and will not get it back until tomorrow night. I actually feel fine, I'm not having any withdrawals so take that Alison (shout out to my sis) :)
Earlier this week I went to NYC and absolutely loved it! I had the opportunity to spend time with my CAF family and couldn't have asked for a more perfect day (shout out to Barbara and Virginia)! I spent most of the day bonding with my mom as we spent time soaking up NYC (shout out to my amazing mom). We had the opportunity to see the SNL studio (which was so amazing) and learned about their set. It's actually the biggest set inside NBC and looks a lot smaller in person. Ask me what a Wide Angle Microscopic Lens is and how it's used on their set. It's pretty cool I must say. Sadly, that's basically the little knowledge I know about film except the Kuleshov Effect (I'm such a nerd). Anyway, I absolutely loved spending time with my CAF family, so many amazing things on the horizon for them and I am so grateful to be one of the countless athletes they support. I'll be going to their annual San Diego Tri again this October! So excited! If you have not checked them out yet, then you are missing out!http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6449023/k.BD6D/Home.htm
Classes and my internship are starting to come to an end. On April 20th I was asked to attend a Board of Fellows lunch with other students at Trinity. We had the opportunity to talk with very successful almuni. It's truly inspiring seeing the possibilities after college, although uncertain and worrisome it may seem at times. I met with my advisers in regards to my senior year. I can't believe in less than 3 weeks I'll be a senior it blows my mind. I'm up for writing an honors thesis next year and I've decided to write it on disability rights and sports. It's obviously a topic near and dear to me and I'll most likely be doing research for it over the summer. As far as plans after Trinity I'm seriously considering law and doing some work experience before taking the LSATS. Although I have these plans, they're mostly guidelines as I know so much can happen in a year. Session at the Legislature is starting to come to an end. Everything's over at 12am on May 9th, no more legislation will be passed! It was pretty exciting at the Capitol witnessing the Senate and House debates about abolishing the death penalty. So many Representatives and Senators brought different opinions and arguments to the table, it certainly kept my attention.
And now I've updated you to today. Again, I love my Saturdays! I had morning practice and felt a little stiff in the water, but worked it out. At this time with trials, I'm taking everything day by day and if I can't do that hour by hour; practice by practice, if not lap by lap. I had a great conversation with my coach during practice that helped me become more focused and motivated for June. Regardless of what happens, I've learned so much on this journey that this is not an all or nothing situation anymore. It's an all gain situation. After practice I spent the rest of my day with the Synergy Center as they kicked off their Sensory Celebration with Autism Speaks (shout out to Brian). I had an amazing time getting to know the Synergy Center and painting with Autistic children today! I might have had more fun than the kids because I want to go back to the Florence Griswold Museum just to paint. Anyway, I loved today and seeing the possibilities for the Synergy Center is truly inspiring. Going forward, this is the nitty driggity I'm getting down to! I have about 3 weeks left of classes and my internship. I'm taking my training day by day and seeing where this journey is taking me. My next swim meet is May 12th at Yale and I cannot wait to kill it! I'm SO looking forward to summer, but I'm appreciating each moment along the way, phoneless or not.
:)
