Warning: Bullying is mentioned.

Part 3: Echoes of the Past...

After class, I had this temptation to go to the library for a little study time. The library was quiet, the only sound the gentle rustle of pages turning and the distant hum of conversation from a few scattered students. I had come here to study between classes, but my eyelids grew heavy as the peaceful atmosphere lulled me into a light doze.

In the haze of sleep, memories from my past surfaced, vivid and real.

I was twelve again, standing on the edge of the track, my heart pounding with anticipation. It was my first practice with the Flyers, an AAU Track and Field club in my hometown. The club was known for producing some of the best young athletes in the state, and I was both excited and nervous to be a part of it.

The coach, a tall woman with a whistle hanging from her neck, gathered us around and explained the day's drills. I listened intently, absorbing every word and eager to prove myself. When it was my turn to sprint, I took a deep breath and exploded off the line, my legs pumping as fast as they could.

As I ran, a sense of freedom washed over me, as if the world feel away and it was just me and the track. It was in that moment that I felt my first spark for track and field--a feeling of pure joy and determination that I had never experienced before. 

The coach's voice snapped me back to reality as she called out my time. "Great job, Raylynn! Keep up the good work."

Her words filled me with unknown pride and a newfound confidence. I knew then that I wanted to dedicat myself to this sport, to chase that feeling every time I raced. 

But middle school wasn't as kind. I joined the track team there, eafter to continue my journey, but the environment was different. Some of the other girls on the team started making snide remarks about my dedication, mocking me for spending extra time practicing and studying.

"Look at her, trying so hard," they'd say, snickering as they walked past.

Their words stung, but I refused to let them deter me. I pushed myself harder focusing on myself and reminding myself of the joy I felt when I ran. I found solace in the rhythm of my footsteps and the wind on my face, using those moments to drown out the negativity.

One day after practice, as I sat alone on the bleachers, a familiar voice broke through my thoughts. It was Coach Thadius, my mentor from the Flyers, who had come to check on my progress. He sat down next to me and offered a reassuring smile.

"Don't let them get to you, Raylynn," He said, his voice calm and steady. "You've got something special, and you can't let anyone take that away from you." 

His words stayed with me, fueling my determination to prove myself, not just to others but to myself. I learned to block out the negativity and focus on what truly mattered--my love for running and the goals I had set for myself.

The sound of footstps brought me back to the present, and I awoke with a start in the college library, blinking away the remnants of my dream. The memories lingered, a reminder of how dar I'd come since those early days and the resilience I had developed a long the way.

I looked around the library at the rows of books and the students lost in their studies. A glance at my watch told me it was time to head to my next class. I packed up my things, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

As I stepped out of the library  onto the bustling campus of Westbridge University, I knew that those experiences had shaped me into who I was today--a determined, focused, and resilient athlete and student. And I was ready to continue my journey, one step at a time. (A/N: I take one step at a time!~ There's no need to rush.~)

*Time Skip~*

The afternoon sun beat down on the track at Westbridge University as I laced up my spikes and prepared for practice. The warmth of the sun was invigorating, draining my energy as always but not my determination to push through this grueling workout ahead.

Coach Green gathered us around, her clipboard in hand, eyes scanning the group of sprinters with a critical eye. "All right, today we're focusing on acceleration and speed endurance. Give it your all out there."

I nodded along with the others, feeling the familiar flutter of anticipation in my stomach. (A/N: Be feeling like throwing up bro.) This was not always my favorite part of the day but a way for me to strive--the moment when I could push my limits, feel my muscles working in harmony, and chase that elusive perfect sprint.

We started with drills, working on our form and technique before moving into sprints. With each burst of speed, I felt more alive, each stride bringing me closer to the athlete I wanted to be. I pushed myself hard, the memory of my past challenges fueling me to prove to myself just how far I'd come.

Let me know how this chapter was! Comment, vote, leave any suggestions please! Also there is a part 2 to this chapter and it may be a little shorter!