Bold Motivation Scholarship

Wrestling motivates me on a daily basis. It is a sport that is much like life itself. You get out of it what you put into it. The best of the best in the sport all have been participating since they were children, dedicating countless hours and endless amounts of blood, sweat, and tears to it. They do not simply just do this during the wrestling season but also outside of wrestling season they are still hitting the mats all year round. They develop mental toughness that keeps them going and striving. As a person who deals with anxiety and self-doubt wrestling has taught me that all I need to do is keep going. If I stop then I won't know what would happen if I did give it my all. I have seen people in the sport beat someone that they were not meant to beat because they were the new kid, but they did because they put in the work and they were willing to give everything they had to achieve their goals. Everyone watched the finals for our state wrestling tournament but they did not watch any of the finalists come in to practice after a stressful testing week and put in the effort that was needed to defeat someone that was just as skilled as them. It is the things that a person does while no one is watching that count the most I have learned that make a person successful. Wrestling motivates me daily because it is more than a sport but a lifestyle.

Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. — Joshua J. Marine In life, many face challenges that impact one’s life in many ways. The most significant challenge that I have faced is my continued battle with Neurofibromatosis. Those who suffer from Neurofibromatosis may develop tumors on nerve tissue, suffer from bone deformities, and have learning disabilities. Despite its detrimental effects, NF pushes me to excel and shapes who I am and who I strive to be. I think what motivates me on a daily basis are my challenges. I have proven to be able to handle a rigorous academic program, community service, and a demanding team and studio training/competition schedule. I am a 4th year Distinguished Scholar who is also in the Medical Sciences Academy. I am the Junior Community Outreach Director of the Fullerton Cares for Autism Foundation. Despite the challenges associated with my disorder. I do whatever it takes to give 100% to all that I commit to. In addition to keeping balance between academics, community, dance team, studio dance, and family, I am organized. I persevere through obstacles and recognize when I need support. Despite challenges in life that may seem insurmountable, I stand out for my ability to change that mentality and focus on the positive. Growing up, I have been told time and time again that I can’t do things. "You can't do it" became the mantra of my doctors, high school counselor, some teammates and teachers, and at times, even I started to believe it - until I CHOSE not to. Others may focus on my challenges, but I have chosen to address and defeat them. As long as I remain myself and believe I can do whatever it takes to reach my goals, I will succeed.