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Light Beyond Darkness
 Never did I think I could experience true happiness because it didn't exist: so I thought. In my world, nothing went the way I wanted it to. Just as I decided to take control of my life, my life took control of me.
As the new year of 2006 hit, I learned that the person I trusted, should not have been trusted at all. As I was hit with disappointing news, the only thing going through my mind was that I'd never be able to have children. To keep a little piece of mind, I looked at things optimistically: this too shall pass.
With this in mind, to better myself, I focused on finishing school to obtain my Master's Degree and at the same time, looking to purchase my first home. As stressful as this process became, I continued to move forward; alone. "Alone" is a word that I have become so familiar with. But little did I know, "alone" would no longer exist.
As settlement for my first home approached, I learned that I'd soon be a MOM!!!! I could not believe this. Me, a mom? Needless I was happy but at the same time, confused. I didn't know how I was going to do it: being a single mom, going to school and working full-time.
It is now 2007, and I have a beautiful baby girl! With the help of family and friends ,I was able to get myself in order. I'll be walking in May of this year with a 3.80 GPA and I am able to offer my baby girl a home: a happy home.
If I can offer any advice, it would be patience. God has a plan for us so never give up hope. And in reference to love, "Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all of the barriers within yourself that you have built against it". This is who I am and this is how I live.
So Beautiful...
Mary,a new mother from Philadelphia, is currently working while finishing a Master's Degree.
A Moment in Time
 When my husband Rudy and I met, there was an instant attraction. For many, we were the perfect match, considering both our involvement and passion for athletics. However, what we have in common in sports is much more than people realize.
Both Rudy and I have been to the absolute pinnacle in our sports. A division III soccer player in college, Rudy later combined his passion for the sport with his talent as a physical therapist and athletic trainer to become the head ATC for the men's national soccer team. He has had the incredible experience of being an integral part of two World Cups. He is still involved with the team.
At Villanova University, I won numerous NCAA championships, ran in many Penn Relays, raced in Europe and competed in the Olympic Games. After college, I ran for two major shoe companies, set an American record, ran in the World Cross Country Championships, and qualified for a second Olympic team.
Few people ever reach this level of competition, and few understand what it feels like. Although it is a minor part of our relationship, this feeling is something we share. There are no words to describe what it is like to walk into a stadium filled with thousands of people. The nerves, the adrenaline, the thrill of game day, or race say is just incredible. It is impossible to try to explain this feeling to someone who hasn't felt it. My husband and I have both been there.
We also know the other side of reaching the top. The nature of athletics is like life. It is a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, healthy times and periods of injury. there are good performances and bad ones. there are times when one cannot be beaten, and times when one just cannot win. People envy athletes because it is thought to be a glamorous life - getting paid to play sports is anybody's dream. It is a tough life. Few make the millions that many seek. Few reach the pinnacle that many spend a lifetime working towards. Each day is a test of physical and mental endurance.
When Rudy and I got married, I was trying to qualify for a third Olympic Trials. For some couples, this would be hard and very stressful, especially for newlyweds. Fortunately, we both had an understanding of what my goal entailed. On workout days, Rudy would pick our daughter up from preschool and start dinner. He was constantly supportive, and having lived with athletes for years, knew when I needed a pep talk and when he just needed to keep quiet. Having been there before, I had too great an understanding of what I needed to do. Not only was I struggling with my performances in training and racing, I was struggling with the fact that I was out on the track while my family was home. When I traveled across the country for a race, I found myself reaching down for my daughter's hand as I crossed the street.
After our son was born, Rudy decided to step back from his duties as head trainer for the National team, and pass them onto his partner in their clinic. many didn't understand why he would give up any opportunity to be a part of another World Cup. As much as we shared an understanding of what it is like to be at the top, Rudy and I also understood when it was time to let go. There is a time in one's life to put everything on hold to pursue a dream; it is okay to be focused and selfish because that is what being the best demands. There is also a time to relax and live the rest of your life. For those who have yet to reach their goal, it is hard to know when to let the dream go. Some spend a lifetime pursuing the dream while ignoring what is really important. It may not be fair for me to say that one should not spend a lifetime working towards a dream, for I have reached mine. What I can say is that after making it to the top, after reaching the point that one has worked so hard and long for, there is always tomorrow. When the applause dies down and the adrenaline stops pumping, life goes on. The moment you have been working towards is just that - one moment.
It is awesome for Rudy and I to be able to share our experiences in athletics. We share a respect for the athletes in any event we watch because we know what it takes to get there. We cry during the Olympics because we know the sacrifices that have been made. I also believe that we share a mutual respect for each other in that after making it to where many dream of, we both are able to enjoy life outside of sports. As incredible as it is to walk into a huge stadium filled with people, nothing compares to walking in the door to hugs and kisses.
Vicki, Boothwyn, PA, married, mother of two and a massage therapist.
Jumping Off the Hamster Wheel
 Last December I quit my job at a large financial institution. For several years, I lived and breathed the concept that I was part of a bigger system. I was a cog in the big wheel of corporate life. I was content with it for a while but there was something nagging me, something telling my subconscious that I was not ok with it. I would get all worked up about some sort of business political crisis. My boyfriend would look over at me and pat my head in a patronizing manner.... and then it hit me, I realized that there was more to life than crunching data and running in that corporate hamster wheel.
My life existed of projects to be completed, projects to start, projects to continue. I had my entire work life micromanaged down to 1 hour increments. Data refresh date outlined in red with no breaks or intermissions. Report publishing date outline in black with no breaks or intermissions. Somewhere along those lines, I managed to eat lunch and socialize with other data friends. Everything was going along smoothly, so I thought....
The realization came to me after I had my one-on-one with my manager and it dawned on me that I don't have to do this anymore. I could just walk away from it. Start fresh. Reinvent myself. It's easier said than done. It's been several months since my last day in corporate America. It's a surreal feeling of waking up each morning and settling into the daily routine of drinking coffee, checking email and finding peace with yourself in what you do daily. Whatever it may be.
I need to add that I am a mom too. This will be my 40th year of living on this planet. I am a mom to a feisty and spirited 8 yrs old girl. Now I know why I had only one! But that's a totally different topic and story. Currently, I am writing articles. I am sending out my resume. Not to corporate jobs but to jobs that fill my creative niche. Funny how creative and fun stuff doesn't necessarily mean a lot money. I'm wondering if this is worth it.
It's only been a couple of months. I should give this time.
It's a strange feeling to have. To be at peace with the decision you made. I'm a stay at home mom now. I'm a writing mom now. I'm finding other things to do with my time. My kid and I are running together again. I signed us both up for an upcoming race. A first for both of us. I figure, a family that runs together, stays together. Who knows, there is a marathon coming up in November.
For now, life is good. I no longer stress out over report deadlines. Life does go on regardless. Lisa Jung Un Choi is first generation Korean American, has a daughter and lives in Seattle.
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