. . .And Beyond

Now that the Olympics have concluded, and the Olympic buzz is slowly starting to wear off - I am beginning to settle down in "normal" (whatever that is) life. I am currently back home in New Jersey, spending time with my family and friends. It is an interesting point in my life, as I sit in a crossroads holding the power to choose the direction of my life. In the past, my decisions have always been guided by my commitment to education - high school, college etc. Then, after I graduated from UNC in December, the opportunity to pursue the Olympics just seemed waiting for me. It was impeccable timing to say the least. Now I sit and wonder where the road should go next - do I pursue hockey further or do I embark upon a new path. But perhaps, the answer is pursue both - use the pursuit of hockey to lead me toward a new path. I state this with an edge of predictability, because I know where I am headed. I have decided to continue to play hockey for a club team in Holland. I

Hi all. I wrote this poem on the morning of August 5, before the start of the Olympic Games. I was up entirely too early (still adjusting to the time difference), when I felt compelled from my sleeplessness to write a poem. I hope you enjoy. TRANQUILITY by Rachel Dawson A new day has dawned; The suns hazy glow has fell upon, the silken grass and lilly pads of China's new, rebuilt past. One Nation has opened itself unto the world; In this offer, the gleam of an ancient pearl, as we hope for the herald of peace, dreaming that what is west will merge with what is east. It is in the vision that through competition we will conquer the doomed beast of power, so that eventually, triumphant our world will sing, in the glory of unity at dawns tranquil hour.