Not all shots will lead to success, but be proud of the ones that do
That's what this week's guest, Gabriela Shortridge shared with me when I got a chance to hear her story of childhood cancer and collegiate golf. Meet Gabriela below...
Welcome to another issue of Who I’d Rather Be Talking About, a special spin off of What I’d Rather Be Talk where I find rockstars around the world and share their inspirational stories.
Today I’m sharing the story of a rockstar named Gabriela Shortridge, a senior at Florida Southern College whose story about overcoming adversity will inspire you regardless of your age.
I learned about Gabriela from a pal in the golf world - Wanda Brewer (remember Wanda?), who told me I had to hear Gabriela’s story.
Gabriela is a pediatric cancer survivor who now plays collegiate golf on scholarship.
Let’s meet Gabriela!
I was a baby when I was first diagnosed and going through treatment, therefore I don’t remember much. However, I had a relapse when I was five years old and had to undergo proton therapy in Jacksonville while I was in kindergarten. This meant I had to leave my class to go to Jacksonville for treatment, and I was able to have school taught to me during my time at the Ronald McDonald House. My family was more than supportive and loving, making sure I was doing well. Again, while I don’t remember close to anything from when I was initially diagnosed, I know that it changed my parents’ lives forever and it was something they were not expecting. But they handled the situation in such a great way.
It shaped my perspective mainly from the fact that I had to live life knowing that I would have different deficits from the surgeries and treatments which includes fitting doctor appointments into my yearly schedule. In terms of golf, the tumor being by my eye and causing me to lose complete vision in my left eye has shaped my perspective on golf as being a grateful and amazed one. I have played golf with maybe close to hundreds of people and I would have to guess that 10% of them know I can only see out of one eye. I think it’s truly amazing the things I can do including playing golf.
My parents are my biggest support system. They may be tough on me every now and then, but I know that they want me to succeed and will support me even if I am struggling. They have been with me by my side since the beginning.
I started playing golf when I was three years old. My doctors told my parents that they should try to get me into some sort of activity to help with my hand-eye coordination. My dad, having played golf for most of his life, thought to get me into it and that led me to learning the basics, being gifted different sets of clubs, ultimately leading to lessons, tournaments, and now college golf. My dad is the one who taught me how to play, in addition to other coaches who helped me throughout my life.
I am studying graphic design. It includes taking classes, and learning techniques to create pieces online. A day in my life includes balancing classes with practice, meetings, and school events. I’m not only an athlete but student leader planning campus activities, which adds an extra piece of my college career I partake in.
BethAnn Telford has inspired me. She had the same cancer as me, and she has proven to be resilient even with any obstacle she faces.
I’d say that it has shaped me into being someone who is caring and thinks of others, because people always thought of me while I was going through treatments.
I would tell them to stay positive, to find things that keep the good feelings going. If you have the opportunity to try a new restaurant or play a board game, do so because it can be something that brightens a mood.
Also, while I haven’t yet reached a point where I have used a platform to raise awareness, I can see myself doing so when I’m older.
After I graduate, I’ll start the Disney College Program in June, and have the opportunity to work at Disney. I’m also planning to start my master’s program in August, in the field of Tourism and Hospitality.
Favorite golf course: Aberdeen Golf Club
When you’re not playing golf, you’re: studying (school work), relaxing
Best golf advice that also applies to life: Not all shots will lead to success, but be proud of the ones that do.
What do you listen to in your downtime? I like to listen to Spotify.
Series you’d binge over and over: Survivor
Book that’s inspired you: Kingdom Keepers
Someday you’d like to live in: Lakeland
Ideal spot for a week’s vacation: A Disney Resort
Food you eat on repeat: If I could, rice and beans
Favorite way to unwind: Going to Disney
Wellness routine or trick that helps you recharge: Taking a nap
Something you can’t live without: My childhood Eeyore stuffed animal
Quote or motto that you can’t get out of your head:
Two come to mind~
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”- Willian Edward Hickson
“She believed she could so she did.”- R.S Grey
What a great quote to end with!
Thank you, Gabriela. I believe you’re going to do great things!
Thank you for reading Gabriela’s story. Before I wrap things up this week, I’ve got a list of “6 Things I’m Digging” this week.
It’s a special bonus for paid subscribers, where I share wellness, lifestyle, travel, and career tips, so be sure to sign up below if you’d like to see this week’s links. (You can also try a free 7-Day Trial to see what it’s all about.)
Thank you & have a great weekend.
See you next week,
Abbey