"Play like a champion today" has become more than just words to me; it's a rallying cry. John Biasi, the best softball coach I had, echoed this phrase many times, just as major collegiate programs still do. I didn't think much of it when he was alive, but now it has become part of my psyche, and I apply this mindset on and off the field. I expected to see him for a batting lesson the day he passed. My existence was shattered when I realized I wouldn't attend any future lessons with him. Since he was our national team's head coach and primary recruiter, I had no idea where my future would lead. My life has always danced to a simple rhythm: Eat. Sleep. Breathe. Softball. At age seven, I traded the forest-green soccer field for the burnt orange softball clay. From the first day I stepped inside the metal fencing of the field, I knew that I belonged. Whenever I put on my catching gear, knelt, and ran my fingers through the loose clay-like dirt, it felt like home. I always aimed to please my coaches, especially Coach John, who demanded a strong work ethic, coachability, skills, and a team mentality. Before his passing, I relished the opportunity to travel the country while competing in prestigious national tournaments. He taught me the value of playing not solely for personal gain but also for the betterment of my teammates, fostering a sense of collective purpose and camaraderie. He expertly helped me navigate the college recruiting process, just as he did for numerous others. Coach John's unfiltered honesty improved my ability to accept constructive criticism, setting me apart from my peers. Although he spoke honestly, he also spoke kindly. One of Coach John's traditions was the heartfelt dinner for graduating seniors. Each received a tailored speech celebrating achievements and shared memories. As I attended these ceremonies, I wondered about my own speech, the words he'd use to encapsulate our shared journey. Unfortunately, he never got the chance, and I often wonder what he would have said. The void caused by the loss of Coach John was profound, but his teachings remained. For months after his passing, I wallowed in hopelessness and despair. One day, I wept for hours in my room, my face as red as the stitching on the softball next to me. Then, I looked up and saw the wall filled with trophies, reminding me of the champion mindset Coach John believed I embodied. It was time to step back up to the plate. It was difficult initially, but I eventually rediscovered my passion for my sport and reignited my resolve to achieve my goals. I honor his memory as I exercise, practice, strategize, and study. Since Coach John's departure, I've been driven to carry his legacy by continuing to play at the national level and dedicating my time in the off-season to mentoring the next generation of athletes. Additionally, as a member of the National Honor Society, I've found immense purpose in assisting special needs students at the nearby elementary school in an underprivileged community. Serving those with additional challenges inspires me with the triumphs everyone faces in their journey and fills me with profound gratitude. The path I've treaded often seemed winding, much like the suspense between pitches in a crucial game. "Play like a champion today." A mantra he instilled, now etched into my soul. Whenever I face a challenge on or off the field, I know I am making Coach John proud by becoming the person he thought I could be - a champion.

Being a good citizen means living with a purpose beyond oneself. It’s about contributing positively to society, embracing civic duties, and fostering community growth. My journey as an athlete and student has profoundly shaped my understanding of good citizenship. Despite managing a gastrointestinal illness from a young age, I’ve thrived in competitive sports and secured a spot in a Division 1 program. This personal challenge taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of community support, which are cornerstone traits of a good citizen. In high school, I participated in an engineering magnet program. As a senior, I developed a capstone project that highlighted the importance of critical thinking and creativity—skills essential for both engineering and active citizenship. It taught me that engineering is not just about building structures or creating gadgets; it’s about envisioning and realizing solutions that improve lives. My project aimed to provide athletes with better tools for training, ultimately contributing to the broader sporting community’s growth and development. This initiative mirrors the core values of the Constitution—promoting progress and ensuring the general welfare by leveraging technology for the common good. Voting is the bedrock of maintaining a free nation. It’s our voice in the democratic process, allowing us to influence decisions that affect our daily lives and future generations. My dedication to sports and academics mirrors the commitment required in civic participation. Just as teamwork and strategic planning lead to success on the field and in the classroom, active engagement in voting ensures our nation’s health and freedom. Voting is not just a right; it’s a responsibility to oneself and the community, ensuring that our collective values and needs are represented. The Constitution is a living document that embodies the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. To me, it signifies a promise—a commitment to protect the rights and freedoms of every citizen. Its relevance extends into every aspect of life, including the athletic and academic arenas where fairness and opportunity are paramount. The Constitution’s principles guide my actions and decisions, inspiring me to be a leader who upholds these values in school, sports, and community service. Through overcoming health challenges and excelling in a demanding sport, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, leadership, and community engagement—qualities that define good citizenship. My experiences have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to society, advocating for positive change and upholding the values enshrined in our Constitution. As I anticipate my journey at Rutgers University, I remain committed to embodying these principles, ensuring a legacy of service, leadership, and civic engagement. This scholarship would support my educational endeavors and empower me to continue making a difference, leveraging my passion for academics, softball, and volunteerism to impact the world positively.

What defines a good neighbor is a question that has implications beyond greetings across the fence. My perspective is shaped by my Christian faith and my experiences as a leader which have led me to believe that a good neighbor embodies the essence of compassion, respect, and support, reflecting the teachings of love and service central to my beliefs. Compassion stands at the core of neighborliness. It's the ability to see beyond one's own needs and concerns, to empathize with the joys and struggles of those living nearby. My faith teaches me that compassion is not just a feeling but an action—a call to extend love to others as we would want love extended to us. As a member of the National Honor Society and the local "REACH" program, I've found immense purpose in assisting special needs students at the nearby elementary school in an underprivileged community. Serving those with additional challenges inspires me with the triumphs everyone faces in their journey and fills me with profound gratitude. Respect is equally vital. A good neighbor recognizes and celebrates the diversity within our communities. This respect is rooted in understanding that each person is made in the image of God, deserving of dignity and consideration. Whether it's honoring quiet hours, maintaining shared spaces, or being mindful of differing views and beliefs, respect ensures that the neighborhood remains a place of peace and harmony for everyone. Finally, support—both emotional and physical—is what binds a community together. Being a leader has shown me the power of collective effort and mutual support. A good neighbor is someone who actively contributes to building a stronger, more connected community. This could be through organizing local clean-ups, supporting neighborhood watch programs, or participating in community events. It's about investing time and energy into the welfare of the place you call home and the people who share it with you. As a Christian, I participate in a weekly Bible study with my athletic trainer, a former NFL Player, and other students he trains. My sister also participates in Bible study. I am happy to be able to learn about God's word and fellowship with other believers, demonstrating the value of being a neighbor in the faith-based community. In essence, a good neighbor is one who lives out the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. It's about embodying compassion, respect, and support in our daily interactions. As a Christian and a person of faith, I strive to be this kind of neighbor, recognizing that these small acts of kindness and cooperation are what truly make a neighborhood not just a place to live, but a place to belong.