This year, I had the opportunity to work as a Communications Fellow at Wake Forest University. As I wrap up my time here this week, I’ve been reflecting on my experience as the primary Sports Information Director and Photographer for the men’s and women’s track & field and cross country teams. A year ago, I knew nothing about this sport, but I fell in love with it immediately. From the beginning, I did everything I could to give the athletes and coaches the best possible experience. And they did the same for me. I’ve felt welcome since day one—not just part of the team, but part of a family. In just my first few months at Wake, I attended my first ACC Cross Country Championship in Cary, N.C., and watched the men’s team win the title. I didn’t think it could get better than that, but it did. A few weeks later, the women’s team finished fourth at Southeast Regionals—just seconds away from qualifying for Nationals, which would have been a program first. I still don’t have the words to explain what it meant to see them finish with such heart, love, and compassion. Even though they didn’t qualify, it felt like they had won it all. I then traveled with the men’s team to the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Madison, Wisc., and watched them place seventh in the nation. During the indoor season, I covered regular season meets, the ACC Indoor Track & Field Championships in Louisville, and the NCAA Indoor Championships in Virginia Beach. @ashleybastron once told me, “track teams are really special humans” and she couldn’t have been more right. The coaching staff deserves all the credit in the world for leading such an amazing group of men and women. This sport, these athletes, the coaches, and the Wake Forest community have made this experience truly unforgettable. For the past 10 months, this team has been my home and I’m endlessly grateful. Looking forward to one last opportunity to watch and support this team as we host the ACC Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Included are just a few of the many moments from the year, captured with the people who made me smile every day.