The West Prairie Press

By Madelynn Sullivan

The topic of college is one that people either get excited about or completely dread. For me, it’s something I usually avoid talking about. Over the summer, I spent a lot of time thinking about where I want to go to college and whether or not I should continue playing volleyball.

When I’m not on the court, I tend not to think much about playing again. Instead, I focus on what comes next—jumping straight into a career path. But when I’m out there with the same teammates I’ve played alongside since 4th grade, it hits me how much this sport has shaped who I am. Volleyball has been a defining part of my life, and because of that, I feel like I should keep playing as long as I can.

That realization completely changed the direction of my college plans. My original path was clear: attend the University of Iowa, study Radiology for two years, then finish with a focus on MRI Technology. But volleyball complicated that plan. Since Iowa is a Division I school, playing there was never an option for me, and suddenly, becoming a Hawkeye didn’t feel so certain anymore.

Now, I constantly weigh two goals—finding the best education possible for my future career while also continuing the sport I’ve loved since I was nine years old. It’s tough because I’ve always pictured myself at a big university, but volleyball has narrowed my options.

This past week, seniors met with Mrs. Overstreet to talk about the future and our next steps. Some walked out of those meetings confident, knowing exactly where they want to go. Others, like me, left with more questions than answers. But I will say this—Mrs. Overstreet has been such a helpful addition to our staff. She truly sees the big picture for every student and cares about helping us make the right decision for ourselves.

If I could give advice to younger students, it would be this: don’t panic if you don’t have the “perfect” school or career figured out right away. Take your time. Go to the college fairs. Schedule those visits. You’ll learn more than you expect. And most importantly, choose a path that feels right for you—not just what your parents or anyone else thinks you should do. College is a huge step toward independence, and you’ll enjoy the experience so much more if it’s your decision.