My parent’s journey as both a veteran and an entrepreneur has had a major influence on the person I am becoming and the goals I’m setting for my future. My dad served in the military for 22 years, completing four tours, and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Watching him carry the responsibility of leading others, staying calm under pressure, and putting his team first shaped the foundation of our family. His service showed me what real discipline, sacrifice, and integrity look like, and those lessons have guided me throughout my life. Seeing my dad transition from decades of military service to building a business from the ground up has shaped my educational and career goals in a powerful way. I’ve watched him take risks, solve problems with the same steady mindset he used in the military, and stay committed even when things were uncertain. His entrepreneurial journey taught me that success comes from resilience, creativity, and the willingness to keep going when others might quit. That mindset inspires me to pursue an education that will allow me to create, lead, and make a meaningful impact in my community. Growing up with a Staff Sergeant as a father also meant growing up with high expectations — not in a harsh way, but in a way that pushed me to take pride in everything I do. He taught me that effort matters, that excuses don’t build character, and that the way you treat people says more about you than any achievement. Those lessons shaped how I approach school, sports, and even the way I carry myself day to day. His example made me want to be someone others can rely on, someone who follows through, and someone who doesn’t back down from challenges. His military service has also had a deep impact on my educational journey. Our household was shaped by deployments, long stretches apart, and the constant uncertainty that comes with military life. Those experiences taught me to stay focused, appreciate opportunities, and push myself even when things get difficult. His example helped me develop strong time‑management skills and a commitment to doing things the right way, both of which have helped me succeed in school. More than anything, my dad’s example has taught me to lead with integrity. His service showed me the importance of putting others first, and his entrepreneurial journey showed me the power of believing in your own potential. I hope to carry both of those lessons forward as I continue my education and build a career that reflects the values he lived every day: perseverance, service, and the courage to create something meaningful.

Baseball has shaped me far beyond the wins, losses, or stats on a page. One of the most defining experiences of my life was winning a state championship. It wasn’t the medal or the celebration that changed me — it was everything it took to get there. That season taught me what commitment, resilience, and trust in others really look like. What stands out most from that championship run isn’t the final score, but the moments behind it: early‑morning practices when no one felt awake yet, long bus rides where we talked about everything except baseball, and the times we pushed each other through slumps and setbacks. There were games where we were down late, and moments when it felt like the season could slip away. Learning to stay composed, compete under pressure, and keep believing in the team taught me perseverance in a way nothing else has. I’ve also been shaped by the people who invested in me. Coaches who stayed after practice to hit extra ground balls, teammates who refused to let anyone hang their head after an error, and mentors who cared just as much about who I was becoming off the field. They showed me what real leadership looks like — patience, honesty, and the willingness to lift others up. Their example is a big reason I want to be someone younger players can look to for guidance. I want to pass on the same belief and support that helped me grow. Winning a state championship also showed me the power of community. It wasn’t just our team celebrating — it was families, teachers, and people from all over town who had been cheering us on the whole way. Feeling that support made me realize how connected we all are, and how much stronger we become when we work toward something together. In the end, the lessons baseball has taught me — perseverance, leadership, and community — have shaped my character and my goals for the future. I hope to honor the people who poured into me, just like Brett Brakel did for so many, by continuing to lead with resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Another lesson baseball taught me is how to handle failure in a healthy way. Baseball is a sport built on it — even the best players fail more often than they succeed. There were days when I couldn’t buy a hit, when an error stuck with me the whole ride home, or when I felt like I let the team down. Learning to face those moments without giving up changed me. I learned how to take responsibility, make adjustments, and come back stronger the next day. That mindset has shaped how I approach challenges in school and life. Instead of seeing setbacks as signs that I’m not good enough, I see them as chances to grow. That shift in perspective has made me more confident, more patient, and more willing to push myself outside my comfort zone.

Growing up with a father who served on active duty in the Army shaped my childhood in ways that continue to influence who I am today. Because his deployments occurred when I was very young, much of my understanding of those times comes from stories, photographs, and the few memories I retain. Even as a small child, I could feel the impact of his absence. Empty seats at family meals, missed birthdays, and moments when he could only speak to us over the phone or through letters taught me early lessons in patience, resilience, and the importance of appreciating time with loved ones. While I may not have fully understood the challenges he faced, I knew that his service required dedication and sacrifice. When my dad returned from deployment, the joy of his presence was profound. Those reunions left a lasting impression on me, showing me that love and connection persist even across long distances and difficult circumstances. It also gave me an early understanding of the meaning of commitment—how sometimes serving others comes with personal sacrifices, yet the impact of that service extends far beyond oneself. I learned that family support is essential, and that even when someone is absent, their guidance and values continue to shape their children’s lives. Later, when my dad worked as an Army recruiter, I had the chance to witness his dedication in a different context. Recruiting demanded long hours, careful communication, and a strong sense of responsibility. I saw him help young men and women discover opportunities and direction in their lives. Through his work, I learned the importance of mentorship, leadership, and integrity. He wasn’t just filling positions—he was guiding people toward purpose and growth. Watching him take that role seriously taught me the value of lifting others up and making a meaningful impact in someone’s life. Growing up in a military family also meant living with structure and accountability. Discipline, respect, and responsibility were consistently emphasized, providing a strong foundation for my personal growth. Even as a young child, I recognized that these values shaped not only my dad’s career but our family’s daily life. These lessons instilled in me a sense of perseverance, organization, and adaptability—skills that continue to serve me in school, athletics, and personal relationships. Most importantly, having an active duty Army dad gave me a profound respect for service and sacrifice. I witnessed firsthand the strength required for him to serve and for our family to support him through deployments and demanding schedules. His example showed me that hard work, dedication, and selflessness can leave a lasting impact on others. Because of him, I strive to approach life with resilience, gratitude, and a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those around me. My dad’s service did more than protect our country—it shaped the foundation of my character and inspired me to carry his lessons forward in my own life.

I have participated in sports from a young age, beginning with football, basketball, and baseball. Through these experiences, I learned that sports offer much more than competition or physical activity. The games themselves, along with the coaches who taught me how to play, communicate, and carry myself, helped shape my character and values. Their guidance inspired me to want to give back and ensure that the younger generation has not only strong role models to look up to, but also a deep understanding of the sports they are playing. The coaches who influenced me most emphasized teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. They taught me how to respect teammates, opponents, and officials, and how to handle both success and adversity with maturity. These lessons extended beyond the field and helped prepare me for challenges in school and everyday life. Because of this, I recognize how powerful a positive coach or mentor can be in a young athlete’s development, and I am motivated to be that influence for others. One of the most important ways I plan to impact youth sports is by helping young athletes build a strong foundation in fundamentals and game knowledge. Understanding the basics of a sport builds confidence and allows athletes to enjoy the game more fully. When young players feel prepared and supported, they are more likely to stay involved, push themselves, and develop a love for the sport. I want to create an environment where learning is encouraged and mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth. In addition to skill development, I believe it is essential to focus on character and communication. Youth sports provide a unique opportunity to teach athletes how to work as a team, listen to others, and express themselves respectfully. I will emphasize accountability, positive communication, and leadership, helping young athletes understand the importance of supporting their teammates and representing themselves with integrity. These skills will benefit them long after their playing days are over. I also want youth sports to be a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved. Not every athlete begins with the same abilities or confidence, and it is important that each child feels valued and encouraged. By fostering a supportive and respectful environment, I hope to help young athletes build self-confidence and resilience. Ultimately, my goal is to give back to the sports community that has given me so much. By serving as a positive role model, teaching the fundamentals of the game, and reinforcing strong values, I hope to make a lasting impact on youth sports in my community and help shape the next generation of athletes and leaders.