Sadie Says - Get to Know Me

While the introduction to my blog page may give you a small glimpse of Sadie Chrusciel, I can assure you that there is a lot more to the beautiful, overwhelming chaos that is my life! Being a week into February and two blog posts in, I think it’s about time that my readers get to know more about their beloved Sadie Says blogger.

Throughout this blog, you’ll learn the basics, the “Christmas card” content, if you will; however, you’ll uncover what makes me me. Don’t run away screaming just yet – there’s always more than what meets the eye!

First off, we’ve all been there. The dreaded first day of school “get to know me” activities, whether that be two truths and a lie, the name game, or random obscure facts that you’re sure nobody in your class actually cares to know. With these assignments, when we’d have to describe ourselves in three words, I would always pick the same three: enthusiastic, extroverted, and athletic (maybe talkative if I was aching to switch things up).

Distilling yourself down to three simple adjectives has always perplexed me, as any human is seemingly so much more complex than a basic introductory activity. As a avid fan of discussion questions, I’d rather ask your favorite karaoke song, what your dream tattoo is, or your survival rate in The Hunger Games; these silly questions often result in some profound answers and deeply meaningful conversations that aren’t easily accessible from “what are three words you would use to describe yourself?”.

So, you’ve heard my three defining words. But what do they really mean? Is this really the true Sadie? You can be the judge of that.

ENTHUSIASTIC

I’ve always prided myself on my enthusiasm. With the middle name of Joy, I have taken it upon myself to find joy in everything – whether those are the radical life-changing experiences, or the little moments that make up every day.

Some might call me enthusiastic or joyful to a fault – “if Sadie can find that much joy, she’s just delusional, oblivious, or stupid, because the real world isn’t like that”. In my opinion, there is beauty in life all around us, and we would be stupid not to take advantage of that day in and day out.

My second semester so far has seen its fair share of trial and error, but I have shifted my perspective to that of positivity and excitement. In the past week, I’ve been able to see my dad, learn about the release of a new Taylor Swift album, enjoy the sunny 40 degree weather, and celebrate my birthday. If that many good things can happen in solely seven days, who’s to say multitudes of good things can’t happen in the remaining 46 weeks of 2024?

No matter what anyone says, I’m proud to find excitement in the little things and choose joy. The next time something good happens, I commend you to take a moment and appreciate it, for that will make all the difference.

Live proof of my enthusiasm - this was in regards to chocolate cake!

EXTROVERTED

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a people person. One of my mom’s favorite stories from my childhood is waving at people in grocery stores while getting pushed around in a cart as a toddler, proclaiming “Hi! I Sadie! I friendly!”.

I call myself extroverted because I feel so restored and fulfilled around my people. Sure, alone time can be quite fulfilling, but for me personally, I am recharged by being around my best friends and my family. Even if we’re just in the same room and not talking, I feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence.

I appreciate the fact that I have so many different people to lean on and do life with on the daily. From soccer teammates, to study buddies, to longtime best friends, and my familial support system, I am blessed that I get to share my highs and lows with them.

Some of my favorite people on the planet :)

The right people will stay and stand by you, and my extroverted-ness has flourished with the love and support my closest friends and family give me. Calling myself an extrovert allows me to talk about the incredible people I love, and the ever-lasting impact they have on my life.

ATHLETIC

Most of my childhood and teenage years have revolved around the sport of soccer. I have found a true passion for it, and I would wholly classify my love for soccer and my involvement in it as one of the defining factors of my life.

Without soccer, I would not have some of the best friends I do now. I would not be attending Saint Mary’s, I would not have found my drive for leadership, and I would not have a college goal and eleven collegiate soccer games under my belt.

I am forever grateful to have found soccer. It is not only an escape – it is a way to channel my energy, frustration, or angst into a positive outcome that makes me feel good about myself and about my contributions to the team.

While I may not be the strongest, fastest, or even most technically skilled player, I still exhibit myself as athletic because of the work I put into the sport. I care so much about soccer that I tirelessly put in hours upon hours of extra training into it; whether that be cardio, futsal sessions, or strength training, I have found that showing up for myself does wonders for my mental and physical health (and it helps out my game tremendously).

Playing collegiate soccer has surely had its fair share of ups and downs, but I am proud to call myself a collegiate athlete and define myself as athletic, because it is the facet of my life I found the most satisfaction and self-worth it.

Photographic evidence of getting attacked by the good players of UW-Stout! 

I firmly believe that practice makes progress, and I hope to see even more progress in my athletic endeavors in my next three years at Saint Mary’s. I will most definitely continue to claw my way to victory, no matter what!

Who really is Sadie?

Think what you want to think about me, but just know that at the end of the day, I’m putting my best foot forward just like everyone else. My enthusiastic, extroverted, and athletic self has leaps and bounds she is ready to make this year, and she can’t wait to make those dreams a reality.

One thing about Sadie – she’ll make it happen.