Dear Younger Self: Toni Balzert

NOTE: Ahead of graduation, we asked three seniors to reflect on their time at the University of Colorado. The first Buff featured is Antonia Balzert from tennis. From Germany, Balzert reflects on her time at CU, in her own words, going through a pandemic, heart break and the ups and downs of college tennis, only to come out stronger and tougher as a result. Toni's letter is below, and be sure to watch the video, as well.

Dear younger self,

As I write this, I want you to know that you are brave and strong, and that your journey is just beginning. You are about to jump on an adventure that will shape you in ways you cannot yet imagine. Going to America to play college tennis and study in the University of Colorado Boulder will be an experience you will never forget.

I know that you can feel the excitement of experiencing something new, but I also know that you are scared. And that is okay. You are pretty much leaving behind everything that is familiar and comfortable to you, and stepping out of your comfort zone into the unknown. This step will prepare you for everything life throws at you. Remember, you are capable of handling anything that comes your way. You are a fighter, you can do this.

While you are at Colorado, you will face many challenges. You will experience lots of different characters, characters who suit yours and some might not so much. You will get to know the people who care about you and the people who don't. You will experience your first heartbreak, and I know that it will feel like the world is ending. But let me tell you, it is not. You will learn and grow so much from this experience and you will come out stronger and tougher. You in fact will be okay. You have the strength and resilience to push through any difficult times, if it's in your tennis game or in your life in general.

You will also face a pandemic during your time in Colorado, and it will end up making you feel lonely. But know, you will also get through this time and you will learn being on your own, you will learn to be okay to just be with yourself and make the best out of times of uncertainties, and all this is so important to learn, especially in your early 20s.

I also want you to remember that you are never alone. You will meet so many people who truly care about you as a person and who love and support you, both in America and back home in Germany. Don't be afraid to ask for help. They are there for you, and they want to see you succeed. And you will have teammates and friends who will bring the best out of you and who you love and I promise you, those people, those friends will be in your life forever.

As you navigate through the ups and downs of college tennis, remember to be kind to yourself. You will make mistakes, but that is how you learn and grow as a person and player. You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try. So don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go your way. Instead, use those moments as opportunities to learn and improve.

Believe in yourself, because you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to. Work hard and keep pushing forward, younger self. The journey ahead may not always be easy, but one day you will look back and embrace every single memory of your college life and will have tears of happiness in your eyes. This journey will be worth it. I can't wait to see you grow. And let me remind you, everything happens for a reason.

With love,
Your older self

Players Mentioned

Antonia Balzert

Related Videos