Dear Princeton: Sierra Castaneda
4/2/2020
Dear Princeton...
This feeble attempt to put into words what the past four years have meant to me is a seemingly fruitless labor, but, like the many other challenges that I have met at Princeton, I will give it my very best shot.
There is a lot going on in the world right now, and it is important to be aware of the seriousness of this pandemic. And though I do feel a bit embarrassed and guilty for my initial sadness of this abrupt and unexpected end to my time at Princeton, I am also trying to see the beauty amidst all of this chaos. I have gained something from my time here that is so precious and so fleeting, that having to say goodbye to it all is one of the hardest things I have ever done.
Princeton, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. For the experiences, the hardships, the joys, the memories, and most importantly, the people. I leave this place feeling encircled by the most incredible humans, who have made it all more than just an orange bubble.
To my professors and advisors, thank you for pushing me past what I thought was capable of. To my classmates, the greatest study partners I have ever encountered, I am astounded everyday at your brilliance and have been humbled countless times in the best of ways.
Thank you to all of my coaches, trainers, and the athletic department for your undying dedication to my athletic and academic success. Coach Hunt, thank you for never giving up on me since day one. We’ve weathered this journey together, and weathered it well. You’ve taught me patience, and shown me that I am worthy of taking up space and having a voice.
My heart goes out to my teammates on the Princeton Track & Field and Cross Country teams, whom I will miss the most. To my underclassmen: hold every workout, race, and moment in the locker room close to your heart, you simply never know when it might be your last. To my fellow seniors, thank you for never leaving my side and making me the athlete and woman I am today. I will be forever thankful for the countless hours spent at the track or on the towpath, doing the thing I love most with the people who make it worthwhile.
Running will follow me into whatever this next chapter of life will bring, this I know. But it is because of all of you, that I love this sport so much. It is because of these women that I have learned what it truly means to be a teammate, to be unconditionally there for another woman because she wants the same things you do, and if you want to get there you’re going to have to do it together.
I’ve learned to lean on people, and to be there fully to let others lean on me. It was a privilege and an honor to be captain of the most incredible, inspiring, and ambitious women I have ever met, and I hope to take even just a fraction of your grit and gratitude forward with me in life. You all are going places, and I know you will carry on the legacy of Princeton Track with pride and ferocity.
And finally, thank you Princeton, for teaching me to appreciate the color orange just a bit more than when I came in as a freshman. I think my wardrobe will be forever dusted with tiger-stripes and tiny embroidered Princeton P’s.
As the great Peter Farrell once said: “It’s a great day to be alive and well and a member of the Princeton Women’s Track and Field Team”.
All of my love,
Sierra Castaneda ’20
