Being a student-athlete has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. When I started high school, I had never played football—or any sport—before. I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone, choosing to participate in 2-a-day workouts in the summers, studying film, so that I could learn and grow as an athlete. In addition to football, I compete in weightlifting, where I qualified for districts three times and regionals twice. These experiences taught me the importance of perseverance, discipline, and resilience. Through countless hours of training, overcoming injuries, and learning from my teammates and coaches, I developed a mindset that values hard work, determination, and continuous self-improvement—qualities that I will carry into every aspect of my life, including my future career.
Being on the football team also gave me something even more valuable than athletic skills—it gave me a sense of belonging. As someone with autism, I have often struggled with social interactions and finding a place where I felt truly accepted. Football changed that. My teammates became my extended family, and for the first time, I felt like I had real friends who accepted me for who I was. The bond we built on and off the field showed me the power of teamwork and genuine friendship. This experience has inspired me to ensure that others, especially students with disabilities, find their own sense of belonging.
Sports have not only shaped me physically and mentally but also reinforced my passion for helping others. Just as coaches and teammates have pushed me to be better, I strive to do the same for others. This mindset extends beyond the field and weight room into my academic and community pursuits. Through my enrollment in the Early Childhood Academy at my high school, I have gained hands-on experience working with young children, refining my teaching skills, and learning how to create engaging, inclusive learning environments. Additionally, I have volunteered extensively within my community. I have spent four years assisting with my county's Special Olympics, worked as a classroom assistant at a local elementary school, and dedicated time each week to reading to special needs students at my high school. These experiences have reinforced my belief that even small actions—whether it be offering encouragement, adapting communication methods, or fostering an inclusive space—can have a profound impact on a person's confidence and success. My commitment to service does not end with high school. I plan to continue my advocacy for students with special needs by becoming a dedicated special education teacher. I aim to create a classroom where all students feel empowered and where their individual strengths are recognized and nurtured. Beyond the classroom, I want to work on a broader scale to improve special education programs and policies, ensuring that all students, regardless of their challenges, receive equitable opportunities to succeed.
Beyond my work with individuals with disabilities, I have also contributed through service-oriented initiatives at my school. Through the FFA club and Veterinary Academy, I helped raise funds and pack over 55,000 meals annually for the non-profit organization, Meals of Hope. These experiences have allowed me to see firsthand how teamwork and dedication can create meaningful change, reinforcing my desire to continue serving my community beyond high school.
Whether through sports, academics, volunteer work, or advocacy efforts, I strive to make a difference in the lives of others. My journey has been shaped by challenges, but also by the unwavering belief that every child deserves to be known, valued, and inspired. I am committed to making a lasting impact on my community through service to others.
My most meaningful commitment outside of the classroom is one most wouldn’t pick. You guessed it …football. Since I was 3, I have played many sports: soccer, baseball, basketball, etc. but they are different. Only in football do you look people in the eye play after play and know you must go through them. Football is something that I must show up for every day during the season, whether I feel like doing it or not. Football taught me commitment. It requires me to take on leadership roles and teaches me that I am bonded to my word, and I must stay disciplined no matter the circumstances during games, class, and my personal time. Many people think football is simple, but when I play football, it's like a portrayal of life. Like a chess game, the quarterback is the king that must be taken down. My passion for football is glorious, I feel like a gladiator in the arena, hearing cheers from the crowd. I love the sensation of putting on my shoulder pads and helmet. Feeling the hollow clicks of the cleats on concrete is like nothing else in the world. Football hurts. Sometimes the sweat burns your eyes, and your vision is blurred like mace in your face. Sometimes, it’s grass and dirt in your mouth, and in other places, they shouldn’t be. Even with all of that, it’s a mental game, I use logic and reasoning to succeed. I have fun playing football, I love the challenge and I embrace the pain. Football has helped me get to know more people and how they operate during challenging situations. We came from different backgrounds and had to learn how to work together and mesh as a team within a few days.
I have played football since I was four. Football helped me achieve many of my goals. For example, I had to participate in team workouts, change my diet, and commit to better health to stay in shape. Even with that, the mental aspect football has taught me is where I see the most progress. I have learned how to prioritize my time and give additional effort in the areas where I am the weakest. I’ve learned to accept constructive criticism. Football has humbled me too. Sometimes I get hurt, do not stay hydrated enough, or fail to make a play, but I get back up and keep going. Although I don’t succeed in every moment, football will essentially prepare me for college and life. It gives me, “GRIT”, that never give up mentality when things get rough. The knowledge and mental strength from football will help me with my entrepreneurial goals for a business major.
