Ally Ames

Photography by Greer Diaz

If you're reading this, you are worthy.

Growing up as a girl, confidence was something I always struggled with. To help me overcome this, my mom enrolled me in various sports, believing that team activities would nurture my confidence. Though I was initially reluctant, I eventually came to enjoy them, particularly team sports, where I thrived. Over time, I gained enough skill and experience to become a team captain. This unexpected leadership role, born from something I was initially hesitant about, proved to be foundational in shaping my future.

I used to be afraid of public speaking, socially shy, and uncomfortable in my own skin. I often felt like people were judging, labeling, or looking down on me.

And the truth? They probably were.

But through sports, I learned something life-changing: it’s not about them. It’s about showing up for yourself and the people around you. We are all capable of solving hard problems, pushing past our perceived limits, and growing into our highest potential.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Fake it ‘til you make it.” Maybe you brushed it off. But I believe it holds a deeper truth. Confidence isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a driving force. It pushes you to believe in yourself and to create the change you want to see. Too often, people give up before they even try, paralyzed by the fear of failure. But pretending to be confident, even when you aren’t, can take you further than you ever imagined. Every time you push through self-doubt, you’ll amaze yourself with how far you can go. And each success builds on the last, helping you grow stronger and more capable.

I learned this lesson on the lacrosse field. There were moments during games when my legs felt like they couldn’t carry me any further, and I desperately wanted to ask for a sub. But I didn’t, because I wanted to show up for my team. The more I pushed myself, the more I realized that much of my exhaustion was mental. Each time I stayed in the game, I discovered new reserves of strength I didn’t know I had. Playing harder, faster, and longer than I ever thought possible proved to me that my limits were far beyond what I had once believed. 

If you’re feeling unmotivated, unworthy, or like you can’t do something, I’m here to tell you that you can. You are capable of far more than you realize. Yes, it takes hard work, stepping outside your comfort zone, and, most importantly, believing in yourself. But you can do it. And when you need support, don’t hesitate to lean on your team– whatever that may look like for you.

You are worthy. And you’ve got this.

Ally A., University of Wisconsin

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