“Boldly, Unapologetically Me” Near the end of my sophomore year, I was diagnosed with mild to moderate hearing loss. At first, I didn’t fully understand what that meant for my daily life, but I realized it would require me to start wearing hearing aids. The idea of wearing them made me uncomfortable, especially as a baseball player. I worried about being viewed differently by teammates, coaches, and classmates. Baseball had always been a space where I felt confident, and I didn’t want anything to change how others saw me or how I saw myself. The summer after my junior year, I decided to start wearing hearing aids. It wasn’t an easy choice, and I was reluctant at first. There was pressure, mostly from me, to try to push through without them and pretend everything was fine. But, I knew that choosing not to wear them would only make my life harder in the long run. I realized that prioritizing my health and well being mattered more than fitting a certain image. Once I began wearing hearing aids, something unexpected happened. Instead of feeling judged or isolated, I felt supported. My friends, family, and teammates were encouraging and understanding. On the field and in the classroom, I was able to communicate more clearly and fully participate without constantly struggling to hear. This experience taught me that being true to myself sometimes means making uncomfortable choices. By embracing something I once tried to hide, I gained confidence and learned that authenticity is more powerful than conformity. Choosing what was best for me allowed me to grow not only as an athlete, but as a person. “Creating Connection” Moving to Utah from Maryland at the beginning of my sophomore year of high school was a major adjustment for me in more ways than one. I joined a new school and a new baseball team where I was not LDS and one of only two people of color on the team. At first, I was unsure how I would fit in, especially knowing that I came from a very different background than most of my teammates. I worried that our differences might create distance or make it harder to truly connect. Instead, I chose to be open and genuine about who I am. I shared my experiences, traditions, and perspectives when conversations allowed, and I also made an effort to learn about my teammates’ backgrounds and values. Over time, this mutual curiosity helped break down barriers. My teammates began asking thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations took place, both on and off the field. These moments helped us see one another as more than just teammates, but as individuals and good friends with unique stories. Through these interactions, I learned that connection often outweighs difference. While our beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences were not always the same, our shared goals, teamwork, and respect for one another mattered far more. Baseball became the common ground that brought us together, reminding us that cooperation and trust are stronger than any label or noticeable differences. By simply being myself, I believe I helped bring a different and valuable perspective into our team environment by fostering connection. I didn’t try to change anyone, but I showed that differences do not have to separate people. In return, I genuinely felt welcomed and included, even though I stood out in many ways. This experience taught me that inclusion does not come from erasing differences, but from valuing connection over them. When people take the time to listen and understand one another, connection becomes stronger, and belonging becomes possible for everyone.

One of the most meaningful experiences in my life was being blessed by the service of my aunt, who passed away from cancer a little over a year ago. From the day my mom went back to work after I was born until I started preschool, my aunt took care of me every single day. During those early years of my life, she became more than just a caregiver. She played a huge role in shaping who I am today. She wasn’t just watching me, she was raising me with love, patience, and kindness. She was gentle, kind, and always put others, especially me, before herself. Whether it was making sure I was fed, comforting me when I was upset, or simply spending time playing and talking with me, she gave me her full attention. Growing up, she became my favorite person in the world because she made me feel safe, valued, and deeply loved. In the short term, losing my aunt was incredibly painful and overwhelming. I struggled with grief and felt like a huge part of my world had been taken away. There were moments when I felt lost and unsure of how to move forward without someone who had been such a constant presence in my life. But I also experienced the kindness and service of others in a powerful way. Friends, family members, and members of our community showed up for my family by bringing meals, offering words of encouragement, and simply being there when we needed support. Their compassion reminded me that even in moments of deep loss, people can come together to lift one another up. This support helped me heal and showed me how meaningful acts of service can be during the hardest moments of life. In the long term, this experience has changed how I see the world and my future. My aunt’s life of service inspired me to want to help others the way she helped me. Watching her battle cancer also gave me a deeper appreciation for healthcare workers who care for patients during some of the most difficult and emotional times of their lives. Seeing the impact that compassionate medical professionals had on my aunt and my family helped me realize the difference one caring person can make. Because of this, I want to pursue an education to become a radiology technician, a career where I can combine technical skills with empathy and compassion. As a radiology technician, I hope to help patients feel calm, respected, and cared for during stressful medical situations, just as my aunt always made me feel. Her legacy continues to guide me, and I hope to honor her by serving others with the same kindness, patience, and selflessness she showed every day.

My name is Carter Roman Lacsamana, and I’m a senior at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have always tried to give my best effort in everything that I do, in the classroom, on the baseball field, or in band. I have a 3.72 GPA and play trumpet as first chair in the Wind Ensemble. I was honored to be named the 2024-2025 Band Performer of the Year and also served as trumpet section leader for the Symphonic Band. Music has been a big part of my high school experience because it has taught me patience, focus, and how to work toward a common goal with others. Along with music, baseball has been another major part of my life. I play third base and pitch for both my high school team and the Rawlings Tigers SLC showcase team. Baseball has taught me how to handle pressure, stay disciplined, and push through challenges even when things are not easy and sometimes don’t go my way. As a player, I try to lead by example. I’m not the loudest person on the team, but I am hardworking, dedicated, and always dependable. I believe being consistent and coachable are just as important as talent, and that is something I try to demonstrate every day. My family has moved several times over the years, from Alabama to Michigan, then Maryland, and now Utah, due to my dad working in athletics. Each move meant adjusting to new schools, new coaches, and new teammates. It wasn’t always easy, but it helped me become more adaptable and open-minded. No matter where we lived, sports have always been a constant for me. They gave me a sense of belonging and a way to connect with people even when everything else around me was changing. In college, I plan to major in Sports Management because I want to stay involved in something that has always meant a lot to me. Sports have taught me so many life lessons — how to work as part of a team, how to deal with setbacks, and how to stay motivated. I hope to use my degree to work in a career that keeps me close to the game, whether that’s coaching, managing a team, or working behind the scenes in athletics. Pursuing higher education is important to me because I know it will help me grow, challenge myself, and build a future doing something I truly care about.