For many of the seniors on Unified Track and Field, this last season is especially important and the time to process the experience in Unified. From the relationships to the most memorable conversations and last laps around the track, here is how Unified Track has influenced our seniors.
For senior Claire Roehm, Unified is an essential reason for her growth as a person and for her high school experience. Roehm talks about the effect of Unified Track saying, “I have been apart of HSE Unified Track and Field for three years now. I truly believe I wouldn’t be the same person without Unified.” Roehm continues with the lessons she has learned writing, “I have learned what it means to show kindness to everyone around me, as well as what it means to have unwavering support and comfort daily.” I asked Roehm the importance of the practices and meets and what she learns attending. Roehm emphasizes what practices and meets mean to her writing, “Showing up to practice and meets have meant growing the community around me and building lifelong connections. There has never been a day where I felt left out, and I always left with a smile on my face.”
For another senior, Athziri Santiago-Lexus, the effect of Unified on herself has meant the most the last four years by writing, “Unified had had a massive impact in my life. It is what I look forward to the most in the school year because of all the positive energy that surrounds our team.” Santiago continues with, “This team has made my high school experience better than I could’ve ever imagined and I am so grateful that I joined my freshman year.” On the topic of what an impact Unified has made in Santiago with relationships and new people she has met, Santiago describes her feelings on the matter writing, “It has helped me form new friendships, meet new people, and it has even taught me to let go of the negativity and always have fun. The relationships made on the team are so important because everyone on the team supports each other no matter what.” I finally asked Santiago how important team camaraderie and supporting each athlete is, “It is so important that everyone comes together not just to compete well but also to cheer each other on. It is so meaningful when someone is cheering you by name because it shows the kindness everyone has in the program.”
A common theme relayed across all the seniors is team bonding and enjoying the process leading up to and during the season. Senior Cameron Matyanowski emphasizes the influence of Unified writing, “I have been with Unified Track and Field for the last two years, and it has truly changed my high school life. I joined Unified my junior yer when I decided to step away from softball, and it has changed me as a person.” Along with the importance of Unified, Matyanowski highlights how Best Buddies has also played a substantial role for herself in high school. “I have been involved with Best Buddies fro my entire high school career, and now with Unified, it has become my passion. Joining Unified has helped me understand what true inclusion looks like, and it has given me some of my very best friends.” Matyanowski continues with, “Specifically, me and my buddy in Best Buddies, Macey, have grown closer. Seeing her succeed, and simply have fun, are moments that I will forever have.”
Out of all the seniors interviewed for this story, everyone that I have talked to about the impact Unified track has with their high school experience, relationships, bonding with others, and learning to meet students who are different are the most common answers I have received. In addition, another major factor Unified track has had on our seniors is how they interact with and treat others. They cherish these memories more than anything else, especially knowing this will be their last year as a Unified Athlete. I want to thank those who helped with this reticle and wish our Royals the best of luck this season!
