North Carolina State University Athletics
A Day in the Life of Miranda Ervin
2/18/2004 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Feb. 18, 2004
A Day in the Life of Miranda Ervin
By: Shaina Ervin
Looking through someone else's eyes at a situation, a challenge, or even a triumph can help one to see the big picture instead of what we personally make of it. Playing collegiate softball for N.C. State has been one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Faced with decisions and demands, I am constantly looking to someone for advice and reassurance. That person has and always will be my sister and my best friend Miranda. Once I realized that she had a peculiar way of approaching life, but more specifically obstacles and hardships, I found myself wanting to express a day in the life of my twin.
Miranda jumps out of bed, beginning her day with a smile. She heads to Case to eat the regular: scrambled eggs with green peppers and onions, and a granny smith apple on the side. There is nothing like fueling the body for the day that is ahead. She walks to class, saying "Hi" to everyone she knows, and all the while, smiling from ear to ear. The first day of class is now complete. She heads to Reynolds to participate in early morning hitting. Her glaring eyes and sweat beads show just how focused she is. She has a job to do, getting better with every swing, and she is doing it.
After forty-five minutes of hitting, academics call, so she is on her way to history. By the time her last class ends, she has just long enough to grab a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before heading out to pitcher-catcher practice. Never complaining, yet struggling with all the equipment she has, Miranda makes it to the field on time, suited up and ready for anything. Although she hides behind a mask, her happy-go-lucky spirit and love for the game is felt on the field everyday. A practice full of fundamentals and situations is occasionally interrupted by a graceful moment or a silly question Miranda has to have answered. An intense practice has just ended and now it is time for Miranda to feed her need for food. She has a three course meal with an added bowl of cereal to settle her sugar cravings. She stays at Case as long as possible to hide the fact that homework and studies are awaiting her at her luxury suite that we like to call Avent Ferry.
Entering her room twelve hours later, Miranda sits down to attempt to study and do homework. Easily distracted, mainly due to her hyperactivity, she manages to talk on the phone, instant message buddies on her laptop, read, and do web assignments all at the same time. Difficult it may seem, but Miranda has no trouble doing it, for it is her way of life.
Finally, it is time to end this day. Miranda jumps into bed, still carrying the same smile she had when beginning her day, and looks up at me, and says "I cannot wait to do the same thing again tomorrow."
Life as a N.C. State student athlete may be tough, but at the end of the day, it is all worth it.
