Rugby has been an integral part of my life since the age of 14. Stepping onto the pitch for the first time created an instant connection that has only deepened over the years, playing for various clubs, provincially, and now proudly representing my university. However, my path to playing rugby has been anything but easy. In 2019, I tore my ACL in the last game of the high school season. Despite being misdiagnosed, I played the entire summer season, winning a gold medal with my provincial team. After discovering the severity of the injury through an MRI, I underwent ACL reconstruction surgery just before Christmas 2019. The recovery was tough, but with the flexibility provided by the pandemic, I could progress at my own pace. After a two-year hiatus, I rejoined the rugby field in the black and gold of the University of Waterloo. Unfortunately, my journey through injuries persisted. In the second-to-last game of the season, I faced a significant setback, tearing my left ACL and fracturing my fibula. This moment became a defining chapter in shaping my character. Balancing the demands of ACL rehab with a rigorous engineering course load felt like an insurmountable challenge, triggering contemplation of quitting or taking a year off. Yet, a profound determination, a sentiment deeply ingrained in the Finnish concept of "Sisu" – embodying strength of will, determination, perseverance, and rational action in adversity – something instilled in me by my grandmother and mother, compelled me to forge ahead. For me, conquering the challenges of rehab and enduring late-night study sessions became my embodiment of "Sisu." I take pride in sharing that this past year, I completed an entire rugby season without any injuries – a significant achievement that had eluded me for over five years. This rugby journey hasn't been the easiest or most glamorous, but it's a testament to my ability to overcome any challenge, whether in sports, academics, or the professional realm. It showcases my resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Attached, you'll discover some snapshots from my most recent season