I have always liked sayings. I have many important motivational statements posted all over my house. Two of my favorites are as follows: “Run for something greater than yourself” and “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift”. The first statement comes from Coach Martin. He often used motivational sayings to help the team focus and persevere. The second is a quote from Steve Prefontaine, one of my favorite runners. Interestingly enough, my most memorable sporting experience gave me the wonderful opportunity to put both of these statements into practice. In May of 2004 Nationals were held in California. For many reasons, this meet stands out as the most important competition of my college career. The meet was my last competition as an Adams State runner, and California was the state I lived in after emigrating from Mexico. I had many important life experiences while in California: I went to high school and community college there; I lived and spent time with family members, and I started running in California. Now I was returning to the state where, in many ways, my entire life and identity in the United States began. My entire family came to watch me run—even my mother, my sister Norma and her young son Brian, who live in Mexico traveled from my hometown in San Luis Potosi to watch me run in my last National competition. It seemed that all of the elements necessary for a memorable experience were in place. The meet took place over a four day period, starting on May 27th and ending on May 30th. On the twenty seventh there was a banquet, and during the ceremony I was honored as the Outstanding Female Athlete. This award is the highest recognition a cross country athlete can receive at Nationals. I was elated at being chosen, and I enjoyed the moment as best I could, but my mind was focused on the events that would take place the following day. On the twenty eighth I ran in the 10K race—a 6.2 two mile competition that requires one to make 25 laps around the track. With my entire family in the stands, I won the race and did so decisively. My closest competitor finished almost a minute behind me. I cannot express the emotions I felt after winning that race. I wanted so much to make my family proud. “Mi familia lo es todo.” My family means everything to me, and I felt the special blessing that accomplishment possesses when combined with love. It felt wonderful to be running for something greater than myself. Two days later, on the thirtieth of May, I also won the 5K title. This victory was my final experience as a college athlete and held a special significance; it gave me a sense of closure. I felt complete as a person, an athlete, and as a member of my family. I had finished strong. I had succeeded. I had given my best, and I had done so with my family at my side in the place where my life in the United States had begun. It seemed appropriate, then, that on our trip back home Coach Martin took me aside. He smiled and told me, “This is only the beginning of something greater for you.” And for the first time in my life, I truly understood what it was to be blessed.