In an increasingly chaotic world, people often search for a sense of control when it feels evasive. Whether in sports, drama, politics, or overall competition, the pressure of striving for a win can feel overwhelming and coping mechanisms kick in.
At Campo, students have a variety of ways to cope with stresses and pressures. Many have formed somewhat superstitious patterns of the year that have become part of their competition routines.
Sophomore Clark Gregory, who is on the varsity teams for cross country and track and field has been running since elementary school. He also strives for high academic achievement. “I am a tenacious competitor…I try to approach races and tests and competitions with a smile on my face…I want to be positive…like before a race I try to smile on the starting line and that releases a bunch of stress,” said Gregory.
This smiling strategy isn’t quite a superstition but is most certainly a proven path to success for Gregory. Other than an affinity for the number three, Gregory doesn’t believe he has specific superstitions. However he said “if superstitions help you release stress and make you feel lucky then that’s good for you, that’s great.”
Senior Ava Madrigal has pre-show rituals with her drama crew. While she isn’t able to mention what they are, she says, “We have some little song things.” When Madrigal was asked if these traditions help with performance, she said “building that community definitely helps, and you know that you have people on your side no matter what.”
Swimmer and skier junior Elise Gratton considers herself a “hard-working and dedicated” competitor. In regards to skiing, Gratton says “if you get a ‘good’ chairlift, it’s [good luck].” In addition to chairlifts, Gratton believes that “before a race, you hit your poles [for good luck].”
Gratton also has certain items she puts on before her swim races. “I definitely wear the same goggles when I race, and eat the same food,” says Gratton. “I try to keep whatever worked the same.”
Holding on to habits and patterns that seem to correlate with success may at times be irrational, but like Campo students say: if it works for you, do it.
