Learning from Students: Embracing the Suck

Today I watched one of my advisees really struggle in a tennis match. I have never been prouder of her. She was kind and gracious in defeat, even as her opponent was a cold victor. My advisee displayed no visible or audible negative self talk. She modeled exactly the way that I hope to be when my back is against the ropes. She was playing #1 singles for the championship. She was already a winner. How often do we forget how far we've come when we're focused on where we want to go? How often do we allow the stress of that gap to pull us away from being our best selves? I am reminded by my student to be more intentional in these moments.