Running Tests Drowning in the Snow

While I do love the snow, it has brought a bit of a challenge to the girls lacrosse program. Normally, the week before spring season begins, we have our four run tests to complete. We have to complete a timed mile, beating our time from the previous season, under 7 minutes at least. Then, we have 3 300-yard sprints, starting at the end line and running to the 30-yard line and back 5 times. The first 300 needs to be under 59 seconds, the second under 62, and the third under 64. Next, we have 200-yard sprints, when we run across the football field and back, in around 35 seconds. We have six of those, with a second or two added to the required time each rep. Last but not least, my personal biggest struggles, are the 100s. We sprint across the football field in under 18 seconds, and then we have the remaining 42 seconds (or more, depending on how fast you sprint down) left in the minute to jog back. At the top of the minute, we sprint again. We do 14 of those, I believe.

Yes, these tests are very difficult. But, luckily, we have been training all winter season in strength and conditioning in preparation for the season and these tests, so we will be good to go! Only problem? This snow. We normally would have run these tests last week, but with the football field completely covered, we had no possible way to do so. We thought that hopefully, this upcoming week the field would be cleared so we could combine the run tests with our normal tryouts and be ready for our first scrimmage on Thursday (at home--come watch!). With the snow yesterday, I don't know if the fields will be ready for use. I'm hoping they will be clear soon enough, so we can kickstart our season that the team is anxiously waiting to begin!

People of Color Conference (PoCC)

Last December, I had an amazing experience that changed my life. I went to the People of Color Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from December 2nd- December 5th.  I attended the student "branch" which is known as the Student Diversity Leadership Conference or SDLC. It's a conference where you learn about "identifiers" such as Age, Gender, Socio-Economic Status. You also discuss a wide range of topics from your own identity and discovering who you are as person to the cycle of oppression and how to combat it.

We left the morning of December 2nd to depart from Reagan National Airport. And, that part was a little rough because I have a fear of heights and take-offs aren't any better! But, I survived and when we touched down in Indianapolis it was smooth. The hotel we stayed in was awesome. I shared a room with fellow Saints and one of the highlights was going out for a nice seafood dinner!

One thing I learned at SDLC is the cycle of oppression. I know that's kind of a scary topic, but at SDLC they believed the best way to fight ignorance is to understand how it works. The Cycle of Oppression is as follows: Discrimination, Institutionalized Oppression, Internalized Oppression, Fear of Differences, Stereotypes, and Prejudice. At SDLC we learned that this is a cycle so it can start from any section. That was one of the more "heavy" topics that we talked about during my stay in Indianapolis, but not my favorite moment. My favorite moment of SDLC is when a influential instructor known to us as Rodney spoke these simple words "Love, itself, is a revolutionary act." Rodney taught us that the way we make change, the way we have an greater influence in this life is to love one another. No matter that baggage you carry, the only thing I can do is love you for who you are. Love and understanding are the only way that we can change hate and ignorance. Love is our weapon and our shield. That single quote changed my life and, I truly believe, it has made me a better person.

This year was my first year at PoCC and it helped me who I am as a person. I encourage anyone who is interested to attend this amazing experience.  Oh and instead of chilly mid-winter Indianapolis, this year its going to be in Tampa!!

There is a picture soon to come including all the participants and our faculty sponsors! Stay tuned everyone!!

ACT vs SAT

The ACT and SAT standardized tests are a common struggle among the juniors right now. Talks of test dates, tutors, and scores seem to be whirling around our class. Luckily, our college office has a long list of helpers, including tutors' phone numbers and practice tests.
While it is different for everyone, I had always heard that the majority of students found the ACT to be easier than the SAT. So, after taking the SAT twice- once in January of sophomore year and once again last month- I signed up for the ACT in confidence, or at least in hopes, that it would be a bit easier than the SAT; but boy was I wrong! I found the ACT to be MUCH harder, with the sections giving you 15 questions more than the number of minutes allotted to complete a specific section. For example, the Math section had 75 questions with only 60 minutes to answer. Lucky for me, the ACT doesn't take off points for wrong answers, so guessing is highly encouraged. I just found it difficult to pace myself with such a longer period of time, while with the SAT, we have short sections of maybe 30 minutes, and 25 questions. The SAT has tons of sections, though, and seems to drag on for days. Well, not that I particularly enjoyed either, I have found that the SAT is better for me. Or so I think... I guess we will see once I get my scores back. Cross your fingers for me!

Training Day

One of the great things about St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes is its' comprehensive athletic training facilities.  The Upper School has two full-time trainers and a fully equipped training room.  The trainers not only routinely work with athletes to improve performance, but they also help with sports injuries.  
After I tore my ACL playing basketball, the head trainer connected me with one of the top orthopedic surgeons in the area.  When I returned to school after my surgery, I was able to go to the training room for ice therapy to help ease my pain after hobbling around on crutches.  Of course I go to physical therapy outside of school, but it’s nice to know that an experienced and knowledgeable trainer is right down the hall.  
The trainers at SSSAS really care about each student athlete – whether a star senior headed to a Division I sports team or a freshman playing on his/her first high school team.  The trainers are such a great resource at SSSAS.  With the support of the SSSAS trainers, I just might be back for part of the spring golf season!