This morning we welcomed back 2018 Leading Ladies Luncheon speaker and decorated ice hockey champion Meghan Duggan, who once again inspired us all with her advice on persevering through challenges, visualizing success, and supporting one another. Her presentation was moderated by Anna Clements '22, one of the founding members of Trinity Hall's ice hockey team.
As a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, Duggan has represented the U.S. at three Olympic Winter Games (winning gold in 2018) and eight Women’s World Championships, among other international events. Her impressive career was not without challenges, and she shared the following messages with our students and faculty who continue to persevere through the ups and downs of this different school year.
- Seeing challenges as opportunities is the most important lesson I've learned in my career. I've had to rediscover myself and ask, "How can I grow and how can I get better?" Seize those difficult times as opportunities for growth.
- We can't do the same things and expect different results. Move forward, be happy. If we can switch our mindsets, we all can be a part of this energizing opportunity.
- Never underestimate the people in your life, they're so important. Everyone has a different tribe: coaches, teammates, advisors, mentors. Surround yourself with them, and honor and respect those relationships.
- When we surround ourselves with important people we can do anything. Think of random acts of kindness and ways to connect, continue to support and encourage each other. Be that friend that reaches out and fosters that relationship. It will give you a boost personally, and it will give your school a boost.
- Don't be scared of butterflies in your stomach -- make them fly in formation. I do a lot of mental preparation and visualization to understand the flying of the butterflies. Put yourself in the situation you're worried about. Close your eyes and picture it. When you get to that big test or that big game, you've already been there in your brain. Preparation leads to confidence in the moment when the stakes are high.
- Pressure is a privilege.
- This time is so hard. Digest it, talk about it. Share with friends, mentors and teachers about how you're feeling. Say it out loud. When you want to unravel and you don't feel like showing up, remember that as difficult as it is right now, you will look back at his time and be thankful for it -- the opportunities, how it changed you, how you discovered yourself.
She concluded with the following advice: "Think of one or two things that you love about your school -- places, activities, old traditions. Do those things, go to those places, find those small nuggets that you can make lasting memories."