Peace Out, Ottawa

Photo courtesy of Bruna Pacheco

Five semesters ago, I transferred to Ottawa University with the goal to finish my collegiate career playing tennis. I was not eligible for one whole year, which was a bummer. The first semester ineligible, me, and my teammate, also ineligible, made a discovery that would impact our lives. “El Mezcal” is a place very well-known for its “dollar margs” every Tuesday and Thursday. Shortly after that discovery, we became regulars. 

We both passed all of our classes, but I was still not eligible, which was fine. Everything happens for a reason. Remember the teammate that was also not eligible? He became eligible and I got to coach him, one of my best friends. What can I say… It was a fantastic energy to be on the court with Keiran President, the guy that brings such a positive vibe to everyone around him.

Then the third semester came on and guess what? I was finally eligible and, not to brag or anything, but that semester could not have been better. First tournament ever playing with one of my teammates and we won doubles, followed by winning conference in singles and second place in doubles. Regionals arrived and I lost in the semi-finals of both singles and doubles. 

The loss in the semifinals was acceptable as the girl I went up against was simply unbeatable and let me tell you… When I grow up, I want to play like that girl. It was doubles time and remembering that match hurts. We had everything to win that match, we fought so hard, we had an amazing atmosphere with our team cheering for us and we were so close. As there is a saying somewhere out there, “so close yet so far.” It was not our time.

Then was the fourth semester run – the spring and main season of tennis and I couldn’t have been more excited. Until I figured it out that once again, I was not eligible. 

‘Why so many eligibility issues?” you may ask… People working at OU could not help me. The amount of times that I heard I was eligible when in fact I was not made me annoyed, but I just would rather believe that it was not meant to be. 

I got depressed, I dropped some classes, I ruined friendships, I became friends again with people who I never should have abandoned, and I figured out that there is way more to life than just tennis. 

Some of the events could have gone a different direction but it was not supposed to happen. As my handsome philosopher friend, Igor Golubovic, would always tell me, “You can’t force some things.” 

Thank you for the friends that were there for me. You guys are amazing and I could not be more thankful for each one of you. 

Oh, I cannot forget to mention the fact that I went back for a final semester and passed my Senior Comprehensive. I do not know how I passed the most stressful presentation of my life, but I did. Okay, it may also be because I panic a little bit too much before speeches but hey, I made it.

I could have finally left OU, but why not come back for an internship, right? Once again, I was back for a final semester (for real, this time) at Ottawa for an internship. Thanks to this internship and Ottawa, I was able to learn what I want to do for the rest of my life.

Peace out, Ottawa!