What I learned during my junior year, by Kelly Edinger

Kelly Edinger, our starting setter for the past three years, needs 238 more assists to become Fredonia's all-time assist leader, a feat she will likely accomplish during her senior season. Moreover, she is one of the top students in Fredonia's education department, receiving the Spring 2015 Professionalism Award in April.

Kelly (right) with her mom, Chris

But as many students know all too well, the pressure to succeed can be emotionally draining. Leading a collegiate volleyball team, maintaining a high GPA, and dealing with the ups and downs inherent in the college experience can be overwhelming.

Kelly describes for us what she's learned this year and how she's started to, "be someone that this world needs more of."

1) Everything happens for a reason.

So I could get really personal …or could just say that the fall semester was very rough for me. At the time I would have never appreciated what I was going through, but now months later, I see why I had to go through what I did. 

Every hardship has an outcome that shapes who you are and prepares you for your future. I am a much stronger person now than I was before and I am thankful for that. I have always believed that everything happens for a reason, but this phrase became more realistic when I actually saw my struggles turn into complete blessings. 

If we never had rough days then it would be harder to appreciate the great days. Struggling now means that there is something better coming soon. You are in the midst of life… not everything will work out how you think it should. 

You may have many bad days, but just think (in the words of Jessie J:) “I'm perfectly incomplete. I'm still working on my masterpiece."

2) There is a difference between being a people pleaser and caring about others.

From left: Courtney Poirier, Sara Madison,
Kelly Edinger, and Rachel Poirier

There is something about making others smile that brings out the best in me. Whether it’s listening to a friend, helping someone, or just giving candy to a random person in the library (a.k.a. operation study candy), I just enjoy being nice. 

Throughout my life I have always tried to put others’ happiness before my own, but now I've noticed a difference between that and replacing my happiness with others’ happiness. When you care too much about what others are thinking, it tends to mess with your head. Now I have been trying to help others in a way that I want to. 

Why help someone else by making your life ten times harder when there are other ways? You can just be the one who listens to them or leaves them a silly voice mail about how awesome they are (if you know me, you know how awkward I am at leaving voicemails, haha). Maybe I can’t (insert what someone else wanted/needed help with), but I can pray about it, listen, or come over and bring ice cream, etc.

3) Be someone that this world needs more of.

Kelly and Coach Braun's son,
Keaton

I have been reading  “Kelly Tough” by Erin Kelly, (Jim Kelly’s oldest daughter). In the foreword, Peter King , Sports Illustrated and ESPN sportswriter and author, says something about how the world needs more Erin Kellys. Not only do I completely agree with him, but it truly got me thinking. 

So many people can complain about what this world is turning into or things that are wrong with society, but what are they personally doing to make this world a better place? Try asking yourself a few of the following questions: 

• Are you someone that the world needs more of? 
• If you are listening to someone, are you truly listening? 
• If you are working out, are you pushing yourself as well as your teammates? 
• If someone you don’t know is struggling to carry something are you going to help him/her or just walk by? 
• Are you someone that others can rely on? 

There are so many scenarios I can ask about, so why don’t you come up with your own. What do you think this world needs more of and how can you in some way fulfill that need?