Connect and Rise with Samantha (Sam) Palmer, runner and Assistant Cross Country/Track and Field Coach at the University of Alabama. Sam shares her running journey including how it felt to be the underdog, which shaped her as a runner and a person. Being told no but still having a deep desire to pursue your goals produces grit and perseverance. Struggling also allows us to authentically connect with others. We also discussed the poignant meaning of: “I’m going to love you tomorrow,” emphasizing how important it is to keep things in perspective as we face difficulties and also how important it is to continue loving ourselves no matter what. In the end, you truly can do anything (but not everything). Don’t wait.