I was born in the Ivory Coast, in west Africa, but grew up most of my life in America. I left Africa as a young infant with my mother and brother. We lived in Knoxville, Tennessee, for 16 years until moving to Louisville, Kentucky, a few years ago. I am passionate about pursuing knowledge and skills in engineering. Specifically, I want to excel in a long-lasting mechanical engineering career following university. In my career, I want to positively impact lives, not only in America but all around the world. I aspire to use the skills and knowledge gained from college to work towards the improvement of society. I would also be open to attending graduate school if given the opportunity and if it would allow me to grow in my career. I am also hoping to complete a bible and math minor by graduation. Whatever the future is, I wish to continue being a lifelong learner. I hope to leave the world in a better condition than it was when I was born.
I know that things never go as planned, no matter how well we plan. Things almost always go wrong, and that is when we decide what to make out of those moments. In the year of my 2020 track season, I planned on working toward my goal of being one of the top athletes at the state championship held in Lexington, Kentucky. The previous season I had made it to the state championship for the first time as a sophomore. When heading into the spring of my junior track season, the terrible news of the COVID-19 pandemic took away the season. I wanted to take advantage of the setback and use it to improve myself. So, all that summer, I continued to train and work so I would be better the next year.
Eventually, my soccer season started that fall, and it kept me determined and focused on working hard for my track season. I also decided to play football, hoping to be tough mentally and physically through everything that came my way. My days consisted of me going to soccer practice and then football right after. I had a target set for my 2021 track season, and I became determined not to give up. Unfortunately, during a soccer game, I was slide tackled from behind, causing me to land on my right shoulder and go to the hospital.
When I recovered two weeks later, I got the chance to play in my first football game of the season. During the first quarter, I ended up fracturing my wrist. It resulted in me having surgery and losing my entire football and soccer season. I knew I would not play, but I remained committed to attending the soccer and football games. I wanted to be there supporting my friends until the end. It was a hard time in my life, watching my team struggle and knowing I could not do much to help. Not playing on the field allowed me to humble myself from the spotlight. Now I understand that working hard for something and setting a plan does not guarantee the desired outcome. Success is a journey filled with many setbacks and never just a destination. Having that in mind, I know that life's challenges and hurdles will always be on the path to success. So I must continue and never give up on the goals I set for myself.
Thank you for taking the time to read my response.