Part 2: Campus Hustle...

The sun higher in the sky as I made my way across the sprawling college campus, weaving through clusters of students and heading towards my first class of the day. My backpack was clung over one shoulder, filled with textbooks and notebooks that were just as important to me as my track spikes.

Balancing academics and athletic was indeed a challenge, but it was a challenge I welcomed every day. Regardless of my constant internal complaints I make. I think everybody on the team have those moments too. 

I knew what I wanted, and I wasn't afraid to work hard to get it. People just often comment on how focused I seemed, but I preferred to think of it as knowing where I was going. After all I am Raylynn Petry, the one who always prided herself on being grounded and determined, traits that served her well both on the track and in the classroom.

As I entered the lecture hall, I noticed the familiar faces of classmates and a few teammates scattered among the seats. One of them, Zephaniah, caught my eye and gave me a friendly wave. He was a long sprinter and always quick with a joke or a word of encouragement when things got tough. 

I settled into a seat near the back, pulling out my laptop to review my notes before class began. Zephaniah slid into the seat next to me, his usual grin in place. "Hey Ray Ray. Ready for another thrilling lecture on biology?"

I scoffed, shaking my head. "As ready as I'll ever be. It's a good thing I like science."

He nodded, his expression turning more serious. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask--are you planning to go to the campus events this weekend?"

I hesitated, not wanting to commit to something that would pull me away from my training schedule. He knew damn well that we have practice this weekend and who knows if we were to make it to the event. "I don't know Zeph. I've got a lot on my plate right now with these classes and don't forget about practice."

He gave me a knowing look. "You should come, even if it's just a little while. It might be good to take a break and meet some new people."

I appreciated his concern, but I wasn't sure. I'd always been more comfortable on the track or with in my room playing games, or even with a book in my hand than in a crowded place full of strangers. Still, it was nice to know that Zephaniah cared enough to invite me.

The lecture started, and I turned my attention to the professor, jotting down notes as he explains nonstop about the lesson we were on now. My mind occasionally drifted to track practice that afternoon, replaying yesterday's workouts and thinking about how I could improve my time. 

Despite my focus, I couldn't help but notice the glances from a few classmates, including one guy I'd seen around campus a few times. His name was Markell, and he'd tried to strike up a conversation with me more than once. I knew he was interested, but I was too focused on my goals to pay much attention to him or anyone else.

People often misunderstood my drive, thinking I was aloof or uninterested in anything outside of the world of running and academics. In reality, I had plently of interests and cared deeply about the people around me.

I just had a clear vision of what I wanted, and I wasn't willing to let anything distract me from reaching it.

After class, I packed up my things and headed out, Marcus trailing beside me. "See you at practice later?" hea asked, a hopeful note in his voice.

"Definitely," I replied with a small smile. "I'll be there, ready to crush it. I guess."

With that, hint the sarcasm, I set off for my next class, feeling energized by the morning's events. Balancing my life as a student-athlete wasn't easy, but each step I took on this bath brought me closerto becoming the person I wanted to be. And as long as I kept my feet moving, I knew I was on the right track.