Nick Beauchesne
Contributing Writer
Choosing a college is the first real-life decision many of people make. For Colin Reilly, it was a decision that would take him across the country and through a host of experiences that have led the senior to cherish his time on the field, in the classroom, and most importantly, in this state.
Reilly is not your average Husky.
After all, the trip from Greenwood, CO to Gorham isn’t exactly one that can be made over a long weekend.
Yet three years later Reilly has found himself at home here in Vacationland. He stands poised as a senior honor student and integral part of the USM men’s soccer team. But despite it apparent glide through college, Reilly’s journey hasn’t been without its trials and tribulations.
“There was a point early on in my freshman year where I contemplated leaving USM and going back to Colorado,” Reilly says. “I had gotten to the point around Christmas where I had actually purchased a plane ticket to go home for good.”
Reilly chose not to go back home.
A growing network of friends and a desire to persevere through this rough patch convinced him to see things through. And Coach Mike Keller is not the only one who is thankful for that. Reilly himself sees his times spent as USM — the good and the bad — as some of the most important experiences of his life.
“The relationships I have built during my time here at USM will last me a lifetime. I have met so many great people and friends here that I would never have had the chance to if I had gone home.”
Perhaps the attribute that has made this adjustment possible for Reilly is his strong sense of self.
Defined by hard work and a sense of accountability, Reilly has been able to maintain a 3.4 GPA while at the same time preparing himself to compete athletically. And while some of this can be chalked up to a certain degree of innate ability both mentally and physically, the ability to accomplish things is not the same as the act of accomplishment.
Reilly has achieved a lot during his years here at USM. The steps made during this part of his proverbial walk, however, are just a few of many along the way.
“I will always have roots in Colorado. It was and is my home. I have not forgotten where I have come from. The difference between the relationships I have in Greenwood compared to those I have here at school is that the friends back home know me for who I was, and those I have here know me for who I will become.”
Reilly now finds himself one year away from graduation. Once there, a new set of paths and choices will present themselves.
“Once I graduate I see myself going back to Colorado for a little while. It will be nice to go back home and reestablish some connections there. Going to school here in Maine though has given me some confidence. I can see myself moving someplace completely new in the future.”
Reilly has found the right path. New challenges will present themselves, but he now finds himself better equipped to face them head on. He may have grown up in Greenwood, but he has grown here at USM.