Who
The person I am today is a product of all the versions of myself I have been.
In every stage of my life, I have sought to become someone greater, perhaps even someone else.
In this stage of my life, I seek to celebrate myself for who I am.
This is my space to do so, and I am happy to share this with you.
We will always return to ourselves once we are ready.
Identity
In the last chapter of my life, I can tell you where I spent 50% of my time, easily. This is where I disconnected from real life and tuned in with my second family. The rink has held a special place in my heart since I moved to Canada in 2009. I first dabbled in figure skating, then later took on hockey and haven’t looked back since. I played because I loved the sport; I loved it enough to face the myriad of challenges that it had thrown my way. Hockey has given me so much and has taught me an abundance of life lessons.
Not quite sure what the future holds for me when this chapter ends but for now, I just play.
Olyvia Guo, #6
I was never the star player, the sniper, or the MVP of every tournament.
I am the teammate that you can always rely on, on and off the ice.
Not every game is the best game but I still hold my head high because I know I’ll never get the moment back so I’d rather take it all in now.
I get frustrated at myself but I always try to keep it together; energy is contagious.
I show up to every 9 PM practice even if it means I don’t get a wink that night studying for my classes.
Especially this year, trading in the back seat of the bus for a quiet area in the front, trying to make the most of the 10-hour bus ride studying so I could spend more time throughout the weekend with my teammates.
I’ve had so many people ask me why I still play if it feels too much at times.
Well, the answer is simple: The ups outweigh the downs. I choose to focus on the brighter times rather than sulk in the darker times.
Olyvia Guo 