Miranda E.
Photo provided by Hannah S.
If you're reading this, chances are you're facing some tough times, and I want to share something that helps me cope when things feel overwhelming.
A former Formula 1 driver, Daniel Ricciardo, once said, “Enjoy the butterflies, enjoy being naive, enjoy the nerves, the pressure. If you kind of wanna stand on the top from day one, then there's nothing else to look forward to. Enjoy the process of making a name for yourself. And... meeting some great people along the way. There are a lot of worldly people in this place who you can laugh with, learn from, and enjoy some moments with. So embrace the good ones. Stay focused. Don't be too far off your path, just like, keep trying to build and grow and learn from yourself, but don't forget what got you here. Bring friends along, bring family along. They might be something to kind of take the weight off of your shoulders; they're also people to enjoy the moment with, to celebrate with, so don't be afraid to surround yourself with people that you care about and love, and they're also excited to be on this journey” (Daniel Ricciardo, 2021).
This quote always helps calm me by reminding me that nervousness and pressure are part of the growth process. It helps me stay focused on how far I've come and reassures me that the challenges I face now are steps toward becoming a stronger, more capable person. Ricciardo’s emphasis on enjoying the journey, rather than only focusing on the end goal, reminds me to appreciate the little victories and milestones along the way. His reminder to “bring friends and family along” also reinforces the importance of relying on my support system. It reminds me that I don’t have to face challenges alone. His words help center me, shifting my focus from the stress of the moment to progress, community, and learning—ultimately making the hard times feel a little more manageable.
Miranda E., Washington State University
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