“Keep on Swinging” by Ava Williams
A pendulum goes from its highest to its lowest point as it swings back and forth upon a thread. As the pendulum swings, it encounters several points of movement, each representing a moment of transition and continuity. Life is much like a pendulum, a continuous series of ups and downs, lefts and rights, and setbacks and overcoming's. It is during these times of uncomfortably that we as people are expected to keep moving forward into the shadows of unpredictability. For me, I felt like the pendulum at its apex, suspended in the air and awaiting an unbalanced force to set it into motion. During this time of my life, I was a star athlete and student, a varsity competitor excelling both in the field and in the classroom. In school, I focused on my grades, maintaining a high average, and accomplishing many of the academic goals I set for myself. Outside, I competed as a varsity track and field and cross-country runner, dominating on the state and national level and working continuously towards the next race. At the time, I had everything I wanted and planned to continuously strive for excellence on and off the track. However, my apex was soon disrupted, and the pendulum began to swing faster than I had ever imagined
During my sophomore year of high school, I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in both hips, a condition in which the hip bones do not fit properly in their sockets, resulting in immense pain and lack of mobility in the hips, thighs, and groin. Similar to how a pendulum drops and gains momentum, my life was thrown into an unexpected swing. The doctors explained to me that I would have to undergo four surgeries and extensive physical therapy to reposition my hips and strengthen my lower body for improved mobility. The doctors proceeded to explain that I would have to stop competing throughout the duration of my journey as continued rigorous activities could further damage my hips. Initially, I was devastated and found difficulty understanding that I would have to hang up my track shoes, having accomplished so much and finally achieving the goals I had set. Though I felt extreme physical pain, the real challenge was one that only I could feel—a deep mental and emotional struggle that lingered beneath the surface. Each day was a battle not just with my body, but with my thoughts and feelings, creating a whirlwind of uncertainty.
At this point, I felt myself slipping into a stagnate state of deep thoughts and emotions. The pendulum hung at its lowest point, mirroring the heaviness I felt as I was forced to sit on the sidelines. The transition from being at the top of my game to facing an unexpected injury felt jarring, pulling me from the heights of achievement into a reality filled with uncertainty. Through feelings of grief, pain, and loneliness, my life kept on swinging, and I had to keep up. I took my feelings and channeled them into my studies, focusing on what was in my control and what could ensure me long term success. I continued to support my teammates while also allowing space to cultivate an identity for myself outside of athletics. Though one of the lowest points of my life, it was also a period of reflection and redirection as I realized that my worth and identity extend beyond my body; they encompass my resilience, my passions, and the connections I cherish. As life continued its ebb and flow, I embraced the journey, understanding that healing is about integrating all parts of myself— body, mind, and spirit.
As I progressed into my junior year, the pendulum began swinging in an upward motion as I approached my first surgery. The pain I had been feeling was finally about to resolve, and i was to be one step closer to recovery. On June 27, 2024, I underwent surgery on my right hip. This journey was both thrilling and painful, as the discomfort of recovery introduced a new sensation for me. I remained at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta for five days, unable to do anything on my own as the pain was overwhelming. In those still moments of reflection, I became exceedingly grateful for being exposed to such a difficult experience as it forced me to learn the importance of adaptability, patience, and gratitude. Though this experience was not what I had expected, it taught me that the ability to adapt in uncomfortable, unexpected, and unpredictable circumstances is essential for navigating life's surprises. It is during these moments where you learn to be patient, knowing that your journey is unique and could be far worse than anticipated. As a result, I have become more comfortable knowing that I will adapt and preserve through any challenges that lie ahead.
By the time in which I’ve submitted this essay, I’ve already undergone my second surgery on my right hip. As I continue my recovery, I carry with me the valuable lessons learned during this journey. The pendulum of my life has not only swung between highs and lows but has also taught me the importance of embracing each moment, no matter how challenging. I have discovered that resilience is not merely about enduring difficulties but about growing from them and finding strength in vulnerability. With each step in physical therapy, I am reminded that setbacks can lead to new beginnings, and I am eager to embrace whatever lies ahead. Though my diagnosis came with its own physical, mental, and emotional obstacles, my identity is no longer solely defined by my achievements as an athlete; it encompasses the growth, adaptability, and gratitude I have cultivated through this experience. Ultimately, I am prepared to face the future with renewed purpose, knowing that the pendulum will always keep swinging, and that its up to me wether I swing along with purpose or remain stuck in a state of uncertainty and stagnation.