Grind Story With Marika G

Nothing comes easy in life. I am extremely lucky to have a family who has supported me from day one and helped me make my dreams come true. Some people don’t have this chance so I am really thankful for that.

I started playing basketball when I was 9 years old for a very successful team, Les Vaillantes de Ste-Victoire, and this is where I developed my passion for the sport. I was small compared to the other players and I still am. I had to work twice as hard to have the same opportunity as the other, taller players, but it never stopped me from working so hard. Having dreams and setting goals were key components in my life. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but I knew I had to go through this Grind to get where I wanted to be, where the expression “Grind now shine later” takes its form. Early on, I knew I wanted to play in university. I had a vision, and this vision led me to where I am today. My biggest dream was also to play for Team Canada, unfortunately I didn’t reach that goal. We won’t always reach our goals in life, but having ambitious objectives will lead you to places you would have never thought you’d be one day.

You have to trust your journey and understand that everything happens for a reason, that there is a positive in every setback. The first year I was entering CEGEP Montmorency, I tore my ACL. I didn’t play a game and had to sit all season. The process was extremely hard, but I grew so much from this obstacle. I realized I still had the opportunity to play this sport and how amazing it was. I hustled every day to get back doing my rehabilitation exercises. When I was ready, I came back and my last two years of CEGEP were really successful, I had an amazing team, and we won two national championships. I entered McGill University 3 years ago, I didn’t take the easiest way either. I was 100% French.

I wanted to challenge myself and learn English. I also wanted to study at this prestigious university and play for their basketball program. I am currently in my third year of my undergrad and can proudly say that I am graduating this year. I still have a lot to learn and realize. I have even more goals now and I am striving to achieve them. My boyfriend shares this vision, so we are grinding every day together to get where we want to be! I started my small side business this summer and I am having a lot of fun working on it. I had to do something with my artistic side so I am creating jewelry for men and women. It is called”M8 by Marika G.” Go check it out! The most important thing is to love what you do and to keep grinding!