There was a moment during my senior year when I realized I had been pouring so much into others my team, school, and family that I was neglecting myself. As a varsity cheer captain, a full-time student, and someone actively preparing for a career in athletic training, I was constantly juggling responsibilities. While I loved being involved and pushing myself to do more, I began to notice that the pressure was starting to affect me in ways I hadn’t expected. I wasn’t sleeping well, my motivation was slipping, and emotionally, I felt like I was running on empty. It was then I made a conscious decision to start prioritizing my mental, emotional, and physical health. One of the first steps I took was learning how to set boundaries. As a natural leader, I often took on extra tasks without hesitation helping teammates, saying yes to every opportunity, staying up late to finish assignments. I thought doing everything would make me stronger, more capable. But I learned that true strength sometimes means knowing when to step back and breathe. I started being honest with myself and others about what I could and couldn’t handle. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I also began focusing on my physical and mental health through routine. I developed a more consistent sleep schedule, made time for movement that wasn’t just cheer practice, and even started journaling something I never thought I’d do. Writing helped me process what I was feeling and identify what triggered stress or anxiety. These small habits helped me feel more grounded and allowed me to bring a more focused, calm version of myself to everything I did from cheering on the sidelines to shadowing athletic trainers at different levels. The biggest lesson I learned was that taking care of myself wasn’t selfish it was essential. By making my well being a priority, I became a better leader, student, and teammate. I didn’t have to sacrifice one part of myself to succeed in another. That understanding has completely changed the way I’m preparing for my future. As I continue on my path toward becoming an athletic trainer, I know the importance of balance. I’m entering a field where I’ll be responsible for caring for the health and well-being of others, and I want to model the same care in my own life. Whether it’s in school, work, or life, I’ve learned that longevity in any career especially one as hands-on and demanding as athletic training requires more than just passion and effort. It requires self-awareness, rest, and the ability to recharge. This experience taught me that prioritizing my mental, emotional, and physical health doesn’t take away from my drive it protects it. It’s what allows me to keep showing up, keep pushing forward, and keep growing into the person and professional I want to be.

Hello, my name is Alexis States, and I was born and raised in the heart of Terrell, Texas. With both of my parents being proud alumni of Terrell High School, it only felt right that I, too, would walk the same halls and follow in their footsteps. Terrell has been a part of my life from the very beginning, and it has played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. Being a student-athlete is like having a full-time job, and I’ve embraced every second of it. Throughout my four years at Terrell High School, I’ve been a varsity cheerleader, earning the honor of serving as captain during my senior year. I’ve also been a dedicated powerlifter for four years and a two-time regional qualifier. On top of those roles, I support our athletic department as a student athletic trainer. Balancing these responsibilities has taught me the importance of time management, teamwork, and perseverance. While I love being active and involved, one of the things I’m most proud of is my commitment to service. Over the past few years, I have volunteered more than 1,500 hours to my school, other schools and the local community. I know that might sound a little crazy for a high school student, but to me, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of my life. Giving back to others whether they’re in need or not fills me with a sense of purpose and peace. One of my favorite ways to give back is by pouring into our younger students. Helping to build up the next generation of Terrell leaders is my way of leaving a legacy behind. My dedication doesn't just stop when I'm not participating in my extracurriculars. Inside the classroom, I put just as much effort into my academics. I am a proud member of the National Honor Society and have worked hard to maintain my grades while taking college-level courses. I am currently a dual credit student at Trinity Valley Community College and will be graduating this spring with my associate’s degree—before I even receive my high school diploma. I’ve also been inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, which recognizes academic excellence and leadership. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share that I will be attending my dream school, Texas Tech University, this fall. There, I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology, followed by a master's degree in Athletic Training. My goal is to combine my passion for sports, service, and health to make a positive impact in the world of athletics and beyond. Terrell has given me so much and I’m proud to carry everything I’ve learned here with me as I take the next step in my journey. As I put my time into Terrell it put its time into me.