This summer, right before I was going to conduct a youth camp with the soccer teams from both Greeley West and Northridge, we were kicking the ball around and playing the sport I had played since I was 8.  Then I felt the pop.

The sudden pain was something I had felt before, but didn’t think much of.  My first thoughts were,  “This can’t be that bad, I can’t miss the season before it starts.” 

When I went to the doctor’s office to be checked out, I heard heart-breaking words: “Unfortunately, surgery is a must and you’ll have to miss your soccer season.” 

Now, a month later, I have come to the conclusion that I just can’t change this outcome and should look for the positives of this injury.

Thankfully I have a very supportive and positive mother and father. They too were devastated to see me miss out on my first varsity season along with my younger brother. My mom, who I should say is very optimistic, took the time to keep reminding me that there will be hidden benefits from it. As I reflect on her statement, it turns out there really are hidden benefits to such an unfortunate outcome. 

As a junior, I know that this is the year that counts most. The SAT, grades for college, participating in extracurriculars,  and a whole lot of state testing are in store for me.  

Grades weren’t a problem for me with soccer in the picture, but with me being in recovery, I have a whole lot of free time.  With so much time available, I need to focus on studying and completing homework for me, not to be eligible.   

This injury has also helped me discover and learn more about other passions.  For instance, I have been practicing music on my brother’s guitars (sorry Emmanuel). Music has always been a huge part of my life and while I’m not doing homework or studying, I’m learning a bit of the guitar. Do I struggle with getting the hang of it? Of course I do, but at least I have the time to practice until I get to the point where I want to be. I also get to listen to music all day, so I can’t really complain. 

I won’t say that I enjoy my recovery time – this isn’t what I’d rather be doing. What I can truly say though, is that I can’t really let this bring me down. Like the saying says,  “A slingshot always needs to be pulled back to hit hard.” 

This saying reminds me that I can always get back to the field better than where I was before my injury.  If you’re also facing an injury, don’t be too bummed out because of recovery. Instead  look at the positive and hidden benefits of it.