Stephanie Cully posted an update
Have you ever felt completely out of place, desperate to find where you belong?
That was me, transitioning from public to private high school, lost and not knowing a soul. I felt like a fish out of water, and the pressure to fit in, to find my crew, was overwhelming. I set my sights on the tennis team—despite never having played tennis before.
At first, I was awful. I hit the ball like it was a baseball, with zero finesse or control. Every mistake felt huge, like it was confirming I didn’t belong. But I couldn’t bear the thought of navigating high school without a group, without a sense of purpose. The fear of not making the team and facing another year of loneliness was real and daunting.
So, I practiced relentlessly, determined to master my forehand and backhand. Eventually, I nailed those, but serving? That was another story. Serving is fundamental, and without it, I was stuck. Without making the team, I risked losing my chance to find my place, to connect with others, to truly belong.
So, I spent extra time at the tennis court, practicing my serve until it became second nature. Day after day, hitting that ball over and over. Through perseverance and hard work, I became one of the top picks for the freshman players.
When I saw my name on that team list, I felt an overwhelming wave of relief and joy. It was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I had found my tribe, my place, my purpose. Walking into that first practice as an official team member, I felt a sense of belonging I had never experienced before. I wasn’t just a girl trying to fit in—I was part of something bigger, surrounded by teammates who became friends.
That feeling of accomplishment, of knowing that all the hard work and extra hours paid off, was indescribable. It taught me that even when things seem impossible, perseverance and dedication can lead to incredible outcomes.
To all the job seekers out there: practice your interviewing skills, make yourself stand out, and keep pushing forward. The stakes are high, but the rewards are worth it. It may seem tough now, but you’ve got this. Keep working at it, and you’ll find your place too.
Graham Heldreth, carol McEwan and Tolu Ojewunmi2 Comments
Your story reminds me that sticking with it really does make a difference.
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Thanks for sharing your story. A very powerful reminder. My son always tells his son that practice makes permanent! 🙂
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