This feature originally appeared in the Spring edition of the Cal Sports Quarterly. The Cal Athletics flagship magazine features long-form sports journalism at its finest and provides in-depth coverage of the scholar-athlete experience in Berkeley. Printed copies are mailed four times a year to Bear Backers who give annually at the Bear Club level (currently $600 or more). For more information on how you can receive a printed version of the Cal Sports Quarterly at home, send an email to CalAthleticsFund@berkeley.edu or call (510) 642-2427.



In order to grow to our fullest potential, human beings need to commit to making radical mental and physical decisions that will enable growth and fulfillment. Sometimes, these changes can be overwhelming and bring to the surface a degree of fear we do not know exists within ourselves. There are many unknowns, but embracing changes that are meant to be a part of our journey fosters self-esteem and confidence, so that when we reach a fork in our path, there is no fear. There is simply anticipation fueled by passion for the work we do every day, and we move forward with certainty.
 
A year and a half ago as I prepared to begin a new path, I truly realized that although I would be embarking on new territory, Bear Territory, moving from my home in Canada, I would also be leaving behind my family, friends and familiar routine for a new country and new faces. It was Berkeley. I was both excited and nervous to begin a new academic and athletic career. It has been through the daily hard work that I commit myself to athletically and academically that I've come to realize I have actually left nothing behind. On the contrary, I am constantly making new connections, expanding my powerful support system and continuing to not only chase my dreams but make them a reality.
 
Everything of value in life is never given but is instead earned. This is a lesson I began to learn at a very young age. I grew up the only child of a single mother who had very key life lessons she made sure I knew, always leading by example so I could observe and absorb their importance.
 
The first lesson was that when I wanted something in life, I had to fight for it relentlessly; no matter how difficult and impossible the circumstance may seem, nothing is out of reach. The second lesson, was that a sacrifice for something you love was not a sacrifice but instead a necessary abnegation to achieve a goal. I quickly learned through experience that being resilient and having a clear vision will get me where I want to be.
 
But it was the last lesson that my mom stressed the most. She emphasized the importance of our relationships with those around us, and those we choose to interact with. Impact is crucial; building a support system of genuine, like-minded people can get us through anything and make our days complete. Always stay humble, remember that all of us are in this world together, and never forget where you come from. It was my support system that extinguished the flames of fear I had when it came time to execute my big life-changing move from Canada to the United States. Their confidence in me radiated, and I embraced the unknown.
 
In the year and a half that I have lived in Berkeley, my life has changed in all the ways I hoped it would, and more. Being out of my comfort zone has helped me reach a level of independence and responsibility that carries me now and will continue to after my time here. Being a member of the Cal family holds you to a level of accountability that, as a student-athlete, you carry in all other aspects of your life.
 
It is with the other incredible 900 student-athletes that I have been able to form meaningful connections and relationships. It's the talent, focus and constant drive that serve to keep me pushing for more, never letting the hunger deep down be satiated with "good enough" when I know deep down I can achieve anything I set my eyes on. Nothing is out of reach. We do not train and work to settle.
 
There is a lot to be proud of when looking at the community of student-athletes, coaches and mentors that we have at this university. Yes, everyone works hard, but there is more to the process than hard work. The lessons I learned from my mom at a young age come full circle and inspire me every day. Through our resilience and the ability to bounce back from failures or barriers 10 times stronger, the fire in our hearts burns fiercely, unapologetically. It is because of this ardent inferno that this past summer, as I stood on the podium at the World Junior Championships I felt pride for my country as well as for the institution and support system that I represent.
 
I want to finish off with an important story that has shaped the way I view the people in my life. A few years ago, when my mom and I were traveling on an athletics-related trip, a "life lesson" ironically presented itself, and I was open to receiving it. I personally love flying because of the variety of different and interesting people you get to meet. This trip was no exception. A man sat on my left wearing business clothes and chatted with my mom and me.
 
It was during some of his questions that I told him I was a hammer thrower, and he revealed to me he was also an athlete and was in the Canadian Hall of Fame for his career in soccer where he was a striker. He asked me how strong my support was, and I replied that my system was my everything. He then shared with me the key point I will never forget.
 
He said, "In your life, you are always walking down your own path. There will be people who walk behind you, trying to hold you back from reaching your goals. There will be people who walk in front of you, trying to mislead you from your purpose. But it is the people who walk beside you that will encourage you and let you walk freely, guiding and supporting you in whatever way you need. They will let you grow, and they will always fight for you."
 
Every single day I am thankful that I am at Berkeley and have the opportunity to walk beside such brilliant, inspirational people. I am also so grateful that I have found those who will walk beside me as I continue on my path here at Cal and in my future. So thank you to my mom, coach Mohamad Saatara, my amazing teammates, and all the wonderful people who work together at this school to give the best opportunities to student-athletes and always walk beside us.
 
And thank you to Bruce Kennedy for changing my entire life, without whom I would not be here. I am forever grateful for the future you have opened up for me, and I will continue to show you my appreciation every day, constantly committing myself to the hard work I put into my sport and studies. Your impact is always present. It is because of you I can say that today is the first day of the rest of my life as a Golden Bear. Thank you.
 
Camryn Rogers, a sophomore from Richmond, British Columbia, delivered this message at the Student-Athlete Scholarship Banquet Jan. 29. A member of Cal's track & field team, she won the Under-20 World Championship in the hammer throw in 2018 and the Pac-12 title in the hammer this spring.