A letter to my younger self:
 
As you get older and grow wiser with age, your perspectives are constantly challenged and shifted. Your world view continues to expand and you continue to look for what is past the horizons. It is important that you take a moment to ground yourself and look at what is around you in this moment, pause, take a breath and acknowledge where you are, who you are with, and take a moment to appreciate what you are part of. It is important to live in the present. Life goes on and the present quickly becomes the past, becoming memories that you will never get back. 
 
Your core values remain the same and you continue to be part of movements that are greater than yourself, movements that only thrive with a collective, rather than an individual. Personally, I would have never thought you would do anything athletic let alone play a sport. Starting basketball in 7th grade caused you to be behind the curve, and others to doubt your pursuits to play in college. 
 
In the grand scheme of things your choice to pursue this sport has opened so many opportunities for you, leading to a free education, creating lifelong connections, and allowing you to represent and play for your country. 
 
Now, this sport has led you here to Irvine to a team unlike any other. Take a moment,  pause, take a breath and acknowledge where you are, acknowledge the sisterhood and bonds you have created, appreciate the team and community you are a part of. And live in this moment, you'll never get this time back.

-Nyagoa Gony