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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What Made Maddy Run summary
Kate Fagan
Brief summary
What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan is a powerful exploration of the pressures and expectations placed on young athletes. It sheds light on mental health and the tragic consequences of living in a society obsessed with perfection and success.
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What Made Maddy Run
Summary of key ideas
The Haunting Tale of Maddy Holleran
In What Made Maddy Run, Kate Fagan narrates the true story of Madison Holleran, a high-achieving university student who seemed to have it all. A sports scholarship athlete and an excellent student at the University of Pennsylvania, Maddy appeared confident and well-balanced on the outside. However, her public persona hid a private struggle with mental health, resulting in her tragic suicide in her freshman year, revealing the hidden pressures of modern-day college athletics.
The narrative starts by getting us acquainted with Maddy, the golden girl from a small New Jersey town. She was academically top-notch, loved by her friends, and a successful track athlete. With her acceptance to the University of Pennsylvania, it appeared she was on the path towards a bright future.
A Rigid System of Expectations
Things turned sour when Maddy started her studies. Her track performances didn't meet her expectations. Fagan points out the external pressures that athletes face along with the anxiety of maintaining a social media persona that displayed a near perfect life. Maddy felt overwhelmed, isolated and trapped in a web of competencies that seemed impossible to meet. She sank into depression, a mental state that her friends, coaches, and family failed to perceive.
Fagan uses Maddy’s story to expose the issues of the intense pressures and expectations that student athletes face. She highlights the intimidating nature of the transition from high school to college, the struggle to keep up with high academic and athletic standards while maintaining a vibrant social media appearance.
The Silent Struggle
Unable to ask for help, Maddy fought an internal battle with anxiety and depression. Her close ones didn’t recognize the symptoms she was exhibiting. The misunderstanding of mental health was glaringly obvious. The lack of adequate support in the college system contributed to Maddy believing that her situation was hopeless. She couldn’t find a way to control her feelings of worthlessness and despair.
The narrative paints a heartbreaking picture of Maddy’s final days leading to her death. It propels a conversation about the significant lack of awareness of mental health issues, the hardship of overcoming them, and the societal pressures that escalate them.
Lessons from Tragedy
In the aftermath of Maddy’s death, Fagan underscores the need for system-wide change. She calls for more comprehensive mental health services, better understanding of mental illness symptoms, and a cultural shift towards authenticity rather than perfectionism. Schools need to do more to prioritize students' mental health and wellbeing over relentless pursuit of achievement.
In conclusion, What Made Maddy Run offers a harrowing account of the pernicious influence of social pressures, exposing the unseen burdens of mental illness. The book serves as a reminder that behind the mask of achievements and accolades, students may be grappling silently with debilitating internal struggles. It’s a call to change the narrative around mental health and push for a system that values individuals for who they are, rather than for what they achieve.
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What is What Made Maddy Run about?
What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan explores the hidden struggles behind the seemingly perfect life of a young athlete. This heart-wrenching true story delves into the pressures of social media, society's expectations, and the impact it had on Maddy’s mental health. Through powerful storytelling, Fagan sheds light on the importance of mental wellness and the need for support systems.
Who should read What Made Maddy Run?
- Individuals who are interested in understanding and raising awareness about mental health issues
- Athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts seeking insight into the pressures and challenges faced by student-athletes
- Parents, educators, and counselors working with young adults and supporting their well-being
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