Separate Hearts, Shared Stories.

Everything seemed to be taking place all at once at one point in my life. As a transfer student, I was juggling adjusting to a new school/city, coaching cheerleading, and planning for a future in dental care while attempting to stay focused on my mental health. It may have looked like passion or production from the outside. At times, it felt like the cycle was never going to end.

While maintaining virtual cheer practices from San Diego, classes, and other leadership roles, I always wondered if my emotional and physical weaknesses would weigh me down. My goal is to help people. As a coach, a student, and a leader i wanted to be able to put my best foot forward. However, I was under a lot of pressure to stay calm even in intense stress.

The difficulty of juggling everything began to reduce as my mental health began to crave more serious attention. Emotional stability and patience were needed for coaching. School needed persistence and commitment. Strength was recommended in life. I felt stressed as my obligations grew more intense, and I wasn’t sure if I could manage everything well or just tolerating exhaustion.

When tiredness became unbearable, that was my breaking point. I realized that it was unhealthy to pour into other people without checking my own mental. I had to think about what balance meant in both practice and theory. Was I giving myself a breather? Was I telling the truth about my restriction? Was I working towards my goals in way that protected my health?

I started to make small adjustments immediately. It helped me see my time and boundaries clearly. I changed my daily routine to make a space for non-obligatory calmness. I remembered myself that growing is not dependent on tension, and I faced both academics and mentorship with a better mindset. Self-awareness is crucial.

What I’ve learned from experience is that being responsible includes simpler determination and following goals by any means. It means knowing when to take a break, when to make changes, and when to give yourself grace as you would do others. I have come to understand that balance is not perfect. it’s honesty, confidence, and purpose held carefully even when life can appears to be stressful.

For those who may be in between moments, this blog gives a space. For our common understanding that we are all learning as we go, for deep thoughts, and for our growing pains.