"You probably just jammed it; you will be fine"-- were the words said to me that would pilot a new journey of self-discovery. It was the summer of 2020, and I was only one week away from going into sophomore year as a first-year varsity basketball player. However, my excitement quickly changed to apprehension and disappointment when I injured my pinky finger playing basketball. My teammate consoled me with, "You probably just jammed it; you will be fine." I nodded agreeably as I convinced myself of the same. However, that optimism did not last long, as the pain became unbearable after a few days. I then went to the doctor to check it out and learned that I was not fine at all. The doctor informed me that I had fractured and torn ligaments in my pinky. The result of this was I would have to be out of basketball for at least one month. Do you mean all of my hard work? What I was most excited about was taken from me just like that. I was devastated. I tried my best to rehabilitate the injury, and after a few long weeks, I convinced myself that I was better and good to play. But, my impatience to play just made my situation even worse. I injured my pinky once again and was told I could not play the entire season. Discouraged and distraught, I became very pessimistic. My coach eventually took notice and talked with me, a talk that would eventually shape me into who I am today. He told me that I needed to change my outlook on my situation, "Find other ways to help the team and contribute," he said. His words sparked an epiphany in me that made me realize there were other ways I could help my team be successful. Though it was not overnight, I began to shift my mindset. I showed up to every practice ready to encourage and lead my teammates from the sidelines and would even help some of my teammates' complete school work that they were struggling with. All while my hand was wrapped in a cast, reminding me every day of my 'why.' After an emotional rollercoaster, I not only found a sense of purpose but also tapped into many leadership qualities that I did not know I had. However, leadership skills were not my only takeaway from my injury. Growing up, I would often get asked the dreaded, "What do you want to be when you grow up?." I always shrugged my shoulders and would answer, "I do not know." However, during this journey, I finally found a field of work that interested me, Physical Therapy. After my cast got taken off, I was declared "healed," but the mobility and strength in my hand was not yet working at total capacity. Because of this, I got referred to a physical therapist who helped restore the mobility and strength in my hand and the huge emotional void I had been feeling by getting me back to doing what I loved. I knew I wanted to change people's lives the way he changed mine. Reflecting on it now, I went from being "not fine at all" to developing into a better leader and discovering something I am passionate about for my future. I now realize that I was fine all along. Being injured showed me to make the best of my situation. It is not the setbacks that define you but what you do to overcome them. This journey has made me into the man I am today.