Through my studies, I have always challenged myself to do the best that I can. Since I was a freshman, I have played three varsity sports. At the same time, I take honors and AP classes and have maintained a 4.75 GPA. Finding a balance between maintaining my grades and being a successful student-athlete is challenging, but I am a determined person. I am very proud of my accomplishments, but what I am more proud of is my ability to make others feel comfortable around me by being kind, energetic and friendly so that everyone feels welcome I have demonstrated the quality of being a leader in many aspects of my life. I am captain of the women’s varsity basketball and soccer teams. As the captain, I try to empower and inspire my teammates. I use my sense of humor to keep the mood light and build team chemistry. For my role as a leader, I was awarded the National Women in Sports Leadership Award in 2023. I have been elected president of my graduating class since my sophomore year. I am an outgoing person who tries to make everyone feel included. It is an honor to represent my classmates. I believe that it is our responsibility to share our time and talents with other people. Last year I began volunteering for Key Club, and it has been a wonderful experience. We volunteered at the annual Kiwanis pasta dinner to raise money for charity and scholarships. I loved talking with the people that came to support the Kiwanis and selling baked goods and drinks. I also had the opportunity to pack Thanksgiving dinners for people who needed a meal. I felt like I was doing something that would make Thanksgiving both affordable and special. Through the Everett High School Orchestra, I have had the opportunity to play in community events like the inauguration and the Memorial Day ceremonies. This December we performed at the new senior housing complex at St. Therese, the seniors were so happy that we came and put on a special concert for them. To prepare for string night we have multiple rehearsals. I help the younger student set up their music and make them feel comfortable. I help set and break down the stage before each rehearsal as well. Playing music is a very special way to connect with others. For the last four winter seasons, I have volunteered as a basketball coach for Saints Basketball in Medford. For the last two spring seasons, I have volunteered for Everett Girls’ Softball as a coach and helped run clinics. Volunteering has helped build my leadership because I am in charge of communicating with the parents, making plans for practices and games, and coaching the teams in their games or clinics. Both of these organizations contributed a lot to my love for sports and helped me become a better athlete, so I can’t think of a better way to show my appreciation than volunteering for the next generation of athletes. I hope that my positive characteristics and achievements will allow me to be considered for this scholarship. My father is an immigrant to the US, and he had a late start in academics. He finally went back to school this year to get his master's degree. He is a huge role model for me. With both of us in college, it will be very expensive for my family since we are also supporting both of my aging grandmothers.

I have always been driven to give back to my community and help others through meaningful actions. My experiences with volunteering have not only allowed me to contribute but also taught me valuable lessons about leadership, empathy, and the power of service. Last year, I joined Key Club and have had the opportunity to support events like the Kiwanis pasta dinner, which raised funds for scholarships and charitable causes. Interacting with attendees, selling baked goods, and seeing the positive impact of these efforts reinforced my belief in the importance of community support. Another memorable moment was packing Thanksgiving dinners for families in need. Knowing that our work made the holiday special and affordable for others brought a deep sense of fulfillment. As a violinist in the Everett High School Orchestra, I have used music to connect with my community. Performing at events like inaugurations, Memorial Day ceremonies, and a special concert for seniors at St. Therese has shown me how music can bring people together. Additionally, I enjoy mentoring younger orchestra members by helping them set up, feel comfortable, and prepare for performances. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of teamwork and the joy of sharing talents with others. Sports have also been a central part of my life, and I am passionate about giving back to the programs that shaped me. For four winters, I have coached basketball for Saints Basketball in Medford, and for two spring seasons, I have volunteered as a coach and clinic leader for the Everett Girls’ Softball League. These roles have taught me the importance of communication, planning, and mentorship. I love helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence while fostering a sense of teamwork and community. In the summer of 2022, I joined the Future Leader Program at Piers Park Sailing Center, where I supported sailing instructors during camp sessions. This experience taught me about leadership and inclusivity as I worked with diverse campers, including one with autism. Ensuring that every camper had an enriching and equal opportunity to enjoy sailing was incredibly rewarding. Additionally, I gained knowledge about water safety, environmental protection, and providing access to the harbor for all. Finally, I know that the work that I do gives opportunities to those who would not have access to sailing These volunteer experiences have been invaluable in shaping my character and leadership skills. They have shown me that even small efforts can have a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, I plan to continue helping others by pursuing a career as a physical therapist. My goal is to empower individuals to stay healthy and active, just as sports and physical activity have enriched my own life. Through my career and ongoing volunteer work, I hope to inspire others to believe in their potential and create a supportive community around them.

Growing up, I have always felt like I was running two races at once—one against the thoughts in my head, where ADHD keeps my brain running between thoughts and the other on the soccer field or basketball court, where my love for sports keeps me grounded in the present. For most of my life, balancing the two felt like a juggling act, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned how my brain’s unique wiring and my passion for athletics complement each other. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2nd grade, a label that initially was an obstacle for my success. In school, sitting still for hours was draining, and my focus would dart around in hundreds of directions. Because I got so distracted in class, my 1st-grade teacher would sit me by a window so I wouldn’t get distracted by the room, but instead, I would stare at the playground and get distracted by everyone playing outside. I faced many academic challenges because I could not stay focused: I struggled with reading instructions, completing assignments and tests on time, and keeping track of all my schoolwork. For many years, I could not read at grade level, which was frustrating and embarrassing. If my teacher asked me to read out loud, I could feel my face turning red and my stomach in knots. But on the field, things were different. The rhythm of the game, the constant motion, and the need for quick decisions felt like second nature. Thanks to my ADHD, I have been able to excel at multiple sports including soccer, softball, and basketball. Playing sports have given me structure, an outlet for my energy, and a sense of calm despite the chaos of my racing mind. I realized that while ADHD might complicate things off the soccer field or the basketball court, it often feel like an advantage when I play. My ability to hyper-focus on the game, anticipate movements, and adapt quickly to new situations has become one of my strengths as a student athlete. Of course, ADHD makes certain aspects of training challenging. I often struggled with routines, and focusing during long, technical drills felt like an uphill battle. But I found ways to manage it, learning to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. On the field, my mind could wander, but I embraced the unpredictability. My awareness of my surroundings often helped me spot opportunities that others might miss—an opening for a pass, a defender out of position. Soccer, in turn, became a tool for managing my ADHD. The physicality and pace of the game helped burn off excess energy, allowing me to refocus my thoughts afterward. Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced. They’ve made me more resilient, more adaptable, and more determined. They’ve shown me that being different isn’t a weakness; it’s a way to see the world—and the field—with fresh eyes. Today, I embrace my ADHD, my bilingual background, and my athleticism as interconnected parts of who I am, each one giving me the tools to succeed in every arena I step into.

My Favorite Memory of Soccer Refereeing: The 20th Anniversary of September 11th Refereeing has always been more than a job to me—it’s been a passion, a responsibility, and a way to give back to the sport that has shaped so much of my life. I have personally played soccer for 13 years, and I have been coaching since I was 14 off and on. But among all the games I’ve officiated, one stands out more than any other: The match I officiated on the 20th anniversary of September 11th. As I prepared for the game that day, I could feel the weight of the occasion. There was a somber yet hopeful atmosphere as players, coaches, and spectators gathered, many wearing ribbons and symbols of remembrance. It was a crisp September morning, the air filled with a sense of respect and reverence as if the field itself recognized the significance of the day. Standing there in my referee uniform, I knew that this game was about more than just enforcing the rules—it was about honoring the memory of those lost and celebrating the strength of the human spirit. Before the game began, the players and officials gathered at the edge of the field for the International Walkout. An international walkout in soccer is a pregame ceremony where the starting lineups for each team line up at the midline with the referees. The teams do not shake hands after the walk-out, and the game begins immediately. As we walked out together, side by side, the weight of the moment hit me. The crowd, usually buzzing with excitement, fell silent as we walked onto the field. The quiet, filled only by the sound of footsteps and a distant breeze, was more powerful than any cheer I had ever heard. As the National Anthem played, I looked around at the faces of the players, many of whom were too young to remember the events of September 11th, but understood the importance of paying tribute. I felt an overwhelming sense of pride—not just in being a referee, but in being a part of a community that used sports as a means to bring people together, even in times of grief. Reflecting on that day, I realize that it wasn’t just the ceremony or the game that made it my favorite memory of refereeing. It was the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself—of contributing to a moment that honored the past while bringing people together in the present. It’s a memory that has stayed with me, reminding me why I fell in love with the game and the power it has to unite us, even on days that carry the weight of history. I look forward to continuing officiating as I go into college because there is a great need for referees who love the game and the players and understand the rules to keep players safe and have the strength to keep the game respectful for fans and players. Refereeing soccer has made me a leader both on and off the field

As a bilingual female athlete, I have learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and the power of communication in overcoming challenges. From the soccer field to the classroom, my life has been defined by my determination to push beyond limits. I know how important it is to have a healthy body that does what you want it to do. My dream is to become a physical therapist. My experience in both athletics and as a bilingual individual has uniquely prepared me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can help others and make a difference in diverse communities. Growing up in a bilingual household, I learned early on the importance of communication. Speaking both English and Spanish has been a gift that I carry with pride. I have witnessed firsthand how language barriers can affect individuals seeking care, and I am determined to help bridge that gap. My ability to communicate in both languages allowed me to serve as a bridge, and that is when I knew that healthcare was my calling. It is my dream to keep people healthy and on their feet. I have seen the impact that not having access to health care has had on my Abuela. She is suffering from severe back pain from years of manual work as a house cleaner and a nanny to support my Papi when he was little. With the proper access to health care and physical therapy, my young at-heart Abuela can stay on her feet and keep being the life of our family. My passion for healthcare stems from a deep-rooted desire to help others, particularly those who are often underserved. I aim to specialize in primary care, where I can focus on prevention, education, and direct patient interaction. My goal is to serve diverse communities, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, and provide compassionate care that considers not only the physical but also the cultural needs of patients. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus fully on my studies, reduce financial strain, and continue to hone the skills that will make me an effective healthcare professional. It will bring me one step closer to realizing my dream of making a meaningful impact in healthcare. I am committed to giving back to my community and to using my unique background as a bilingual athlete to contribute to the health and well-being of those who need it most. Thank you for considering my application and for this incredible opportunity to continue my journey in healthcare.

Growing up, I have always felt like I was running two races at once—one against the thoughts in my head, where ADHD keeps my brain running between thoughts and the other on the soccer field or basketball court, where my love for sports keeps me grounded in the present. For most of my life, balancing the two felt like a juggling act, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned how my brain’s unique wiring and my passion for athletics complement each other. I was diagnosed with ADHD in 2nd grade, a label that didn’t really mean anything to me, but it was an obstacle for my success. In school, sitting still for hours was draining, and my focus would dart around in hundreds of directions. Because I got so distracted in class, my 1st grade teacher would sit me by a window so I wouldn’t get distracted by the room, but instead, I would stare at the playgrounds and get distracted by everyone playing outside. I faced so many academic challenges because I could not stay focused: I struggled with reading instructions, getting assignments and tests done on time, and keeping track of all my schoolwork. For many years, I could not read at grade level which with both frustrating and embarrassing. But on the field, things were different. The rhythm of the game, the constant motion, and the need for quick decisions felt like second nature. Thanks to my ADHD, I have been able to excel at multiple sports including soccer, softball, and basketball. Playing sports has given me structure, an outlet for my energy, and a sense of calm despite the chaos of my racing mind. I realized that while ADHD might complicate things off the soccer field or the basketball court, it often feel like an advantage when I play. My ability to hyper-focus on the game, anticipate movements, and adapt quickly to new situations has become one of my strengths as a student-athlete. Of course, ADHD makes certain aspects of training challenging. I often struggled with routines, and focusing during long, technical drills felt like an uphill battle. But I found ways to manage it, learning to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. On the field, my mind could wander, but I embraced the unpredictability. My awareness of my surroundings often helped me spot opportunities that others might miss—an opening for a pass, a defender out of position. Soccer, in turn, became a tool for managing my ADHD. The physicality and pace of the game helped burn off excess energy, allowing me to refocus my thoughts afterward. Being bilingual has also played an important role in shaping my athletic journey. Coming from a bilingual household, I often switch between two languages, which has trained my brain to multitask and adapt quickly—skills that translated well into sports. Speaking both English and Spanish has been a gift that I carry with pride. I have witnessed firsthand how language barriers can affect individuals seeking care, and I am determined to help bridge that gap. It is my dream to keep people healthy and on their feet as a physical therpist. I have seen the impact that not having access to health care has had on my Abuela. She is suffering from severe back pain from years of manual work as a house cleaner and a nanny to support my Papi when he was little. With the proper access to health care and physical therapy, my young at-heart Abuela can stay on her feet and keep being the life of our family.

If anyone looked at me, they would say that I am a fortunate girl. I play three varsity sports, I am president of my senior class, I am the first-chair violinist, but I have a dark secret. I could not understand what I was reading until I reached 7th grade. In first grade, I was constantly reprimanded for not being able to sit in my seat. On my report card, I got a D in reading. To me, the words were just a blur that wouldn't stay in my mind. When I got to second grade, my friends were reading short chapter books when I struggled to get through easy readers. My teacher thought I had ADHD which was impacting my ability to focus. After my parents and teacher did the Vanderbilt test, I was formally diagnosed. I was embarrassed by my diagnosis and the interventions that came with it. I didn’t want anyone to know anything was “wrong” with me. However, when I got to high school, I realized that I needed to take advantage of those interventions, and I had to be proactive about my struggles. I realized that when I started talking about myself and my experiences, I began to help other people. Other students who were experiencing the same difficulties as me felt less nervous about seeking support for themselves. In addition to the academic stress that I put myself, there's lots of pressure on me from my coaches, my teammates, and myself to perform because they depend on me, and I don’t want to let them down. I recently had an incident where I tried to talk to my coach about something that was upsetting me, but instead, my coach benched me because he thought I was complaining. This lack of empathy prevents me from feeling comfortable discussing mental health issues, and instead, I end up suffering in silence, which puts my mental health at greater risk. I knew our team needed a change so once a week we get together for a “talk about it” session. It's nothing formal, but I realize our "talk about it" sessions could be implemented for other teams. In the future, I want to be a physical therapist because I very well how much know having an injury can put pressure on your mental health. My goal is to keep people happy and healthy physically and emotionally.

Anyone who knows me would describe me as being incredibly strong. I come from a family with pretty tough genes. I would describe myself as a highly motivated student-athlete, who puts a lot of pressure on myself. I've been involved in athletics since I was four, and I have played three varsity sports since I was a freshman in high school. I'm also the president of my senior class, a member of the Key Club, a sailing instructor, and in the Honor Society. I often have the feeling that I need to do it all which can upset my emotions if I don't meet all of my high expectations. In addition to the academic stress that I put myself, there's lots of pressure on me from my coaches, my teammates, and myself to perform because they are depending on me, and I don’t want to let them down. The desire to excel in my sport can cause burnout and anxiety. I also think that because I am a female athlete that I experience mental health issues that boys don't experience as much. Honestly, this has been the year of the female athlete, women are really making their mark in the athletic world, like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles. During the Summer Olympics, more women earned more medals than men for the US, but it hasn't always been that way. There's pressure to perform better and harder because women are not taken as seriously. The same is true for me. Being a female athlete in a town with male-dominated sports like football often means that we are underfunded, and our events are under-attended. I feel like I'm working hard, and I'm not getting the recognition that I deserve for all my hard work. There's a double standard that I should just be grateful for the opportunity, but I want to be recruited to play a sport in college. I don't want to just be happy that I got the opportunity to play. This double standard is heartbreaking, and it makes me feel angry. News stories talk about female athletes in college committing suicide and then people are surprised because they're high-achieving and seem happy. Because I'm often seen as tough, brave, and capable, my coaches don't take it seriously when I get upset. I recently had an incident where I tried to talk to my coach about something that was upsetting me, but I ended up getting benched because he thought I was complaining. Lack of empathy prevents me from feeling comfortable discussing mental health issues, and instead, I end up suffering in silence, which puts my mental health at greater risk. So now I hold "talk about it" sessions with the girls on our team once a week so we can at least get the pressure off our chest Currently, I am a senior in high school. I've decided that I'll I will be going into healthcare as a physical therapist. Through my health science classes at school, I have learned how important it is to prioritize my mental health. I feel like I'm lucky because although I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I get worried, anxious, and stressed out, I know my limits. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a break from my academics, I meet with my friends, I try to stop bottling up my emotions, and act tough and talk with my family and friends, and I prioritize some time just for myself. I am trying to prioritize my mental health because I want to be a happy, healthy female athlete.

Anyone that knows me would describe me as being incredibly strong. I come from a family with pretty tough genes. I would describe myself as highly driven and motivated student athlete which puts a lot of pressure on me. I have played three varsity sports since I was a freshman in high school, and I've been involved in athletics since I was four years old. I'm also the president of my senior class, a member of the key club, a sailing instructor, and in the Honor Society. I often have the feeling that I need to do it all which can upset my emotions if I don't meet all of my high expectations. In addition to the academic stress that I put myself there's lots of pressure on me from my coaches, my teammates, and myself to perform because they are depending on me, and I don’t want to let them down. The desire to excel in my sport can cause burnout and anxiety. I also think that because I am a female athlete that I experience other mental health issues that boys don't experience as much. Honestly, this has been the year of the female athlete, women are really making their mark in the athletic world, like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles. During the Summer Olympics, more women earned medals than men for the US. But it hasn't always been that way. There's a lot of pressure to perform better and harder because women are not taken as seriously. The same is true for me. Being a female athlete in a town with male dominated sports like football often means that we are underfunded, and our events are under attended. I feel like I'm working hard and I'm not getting the recognition that I deserve for all my hard work. And there's this double standard that I should just be grateful for the opportunity, but the truth is I'd love to be recruited to play a sport in college. I don't want to just be happy that I got the opportunity to play. This double standard really is heartbreaking, and it makes me feel angry. News stories talk about female athletes in college committing suicide and then people being surprised because they seem happy and because they're high achievers. Because I'm often seen as tough, brave, and capable, my coaches don't take it seriously when I get upset. I recently had an incident where I tried to talk to my coach about something that was upsetting me, but I ended up getting benched because he thought I was complaining. This lack of empathy really prevents me from feeling comfortable discussing mental health issues, and instead I end up suffering in silence which puts my mental health at greater risk of getting worse. Currently I am a senior in high school. I've decided that I'll I will be going into healthcare as a physical therapist. Through my health science classes at school, I have learned how important it is to prioritize my mental health. I feel like I'm really lucky that although I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I do get worried, anxious, and stressed out that, I know my limits. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a break from my academics, I meet with my friends, I try to stop bottling up my emotions and act tough and talk with my family and friends, and I prioritize some time just for myself. I am trying to prioritize my mental health because I want to be a happy, healthy female athlete.

Anyone that knows me would describe me as being incredibly strong. I come from a family with pretty tough genes. I would describe myself as highly driven and motivated student athlete which puts a lot of pressure on me. I have played three varsity sports since I was a freshman in high school, and I've been involved in athletics since I was four years old. I'm also the president of my senior class, a member of the key club, a sailing instructor, and in the Honor Society. I often have the feeling that I need to do it all which can upset my emotions if I don't meet all of my high expectations. In addition to the academic stress that I put myself there's lots of pressure on me from my coaches, my teammates, and myself to perform because they are depending on me, and I don’t want to let them down. The desire to excel in my sport can cause burnout and anxiety. I also think that because I am a female athlete that I experience other mental health issues that boys don't experience as much. Honestly, this has been the year of the female athlete, women are really making their mark in the athletic world, like Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles. During the Summer Olympics, more women earned medals than men for the US. But it hasn't always been that way. There's a lot of pressure to perform better and harder because women are not taken as seriously. The same is true for me. Being a female athlete in a town with male dominated sports like football often means that we are underfunded, and our events are under attended. I feel like I'm working hard and I'm not getting the recognition that I deserve for all my hard work. And there's this double standard that I should just be grateful for the opportunity, but the truth is I'd love to be recruited to play a sport in college. I don't want to just be happy that I got the opportunity to play. This double standard really is heartbreaking, and it makes me feel angry. News stories talk about female athletes in college committing suicide and then people being surprised because they seem happy and because they're high achievers. Because I'm often seen as tough, brave, and capable, my coaches don't take it seriously when I get upset. I recently had an incident where I tried to talk to my coach about something that was upsetting me, but I ended up getting benched because he thought I was complaining. This lack of empathy really prevents me from feeling comfortable discussing mental health issues, and instead I end up suffering in silence which puts my mental health at greater risk of getting worse. Currently I am a senior in high school. I've decided that I'll I will be going into healthcare as a physical therapist. Through my health science classes at school, I have learned how important it is to prioritize my mental health. I feel like I'm really lucky that although I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I do get worried, anxious, and stressed out that, I know my limits. If I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a break from my academics, I meet with my friends, I try to stop bottling up my emotions and act tough and talk with my family and friends, and I prioritize some time just for myself. I am trying to prioritize my mental health because I want to be a happy, healthy female athlete.

As a bilingual female athlete, I have learned the value of hard work, perseverance, and the power of communication in overcoming challenges. From the soccer field to the classroom, my life has been defined by the determination to push beyond limits. I know how important it is to have a healthy body that does what you want it to do. My dream is to become a physical therapist. My experience in both athletics and as a bilingual individual have uniquely prepared me to pursue a career in healthcare, where I can help others and make a difference in diverse communities. Growing up in a bilingual household, I learned early on the importance of communication. Speaking both English and Spanish has been a gift that I carry with pride. I have witnessed firsthand how language barriers can affect individuals seeking care, and I am determined to help bridge that gap. My ability to communicate in both languages allowed me to serve as a bridge, and that is when I knew that healthcare was my calling. It is my dream to keep people health and on their feet. I have seen the impact that nt having access to health care has had on my Abuela. She is suffering from severe back pain from years of manual work as a house cleaner and a nanny to support my Papi when he was little. With the proper access to health care and physical therapy my young at heart Abuela can stay on her feet and keep being the life of our family. My passion for healthcare stems from a deep-rooted desire to help others, particularly those who are often underserved. I aim to specialize in primary care, where I can focus on prevention, education, and direct patient interaction. My goal is to serve diverse communities, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, and provide compassionate care that considers not only the physical but also the cultural needs of patients. Receiving this scholarship will allow me to focus fully on my studies, reduce financial strain, and continue to hone the skills that will make me an effective healthcare professional. It will bring me one step closer to realizing my dream of making a meaningful impact in healthcare. I am committed to giving back to my community and to using my unique background as a bilingual athlete to contribute to the health and well-being of those who need it most. Thank you for considering my application and for this incredible opportunity to continue my journey in healthcare.

Growing up, I felt like I was running two races at once—one against the thoughts in my head, where ADHD kept me sprinting between thoughts, and the other on the soccer field or basketball court, where my love for sports grounded me in the present. For much of my life, balancing the two felt like a juggling act, but as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned how my brain’s unique wiring and my passion for athletics complement each other. I was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, a label that at first felt like an obstacle. In school, sitting still for hours was draining, and my focus often darted in a hundred directions. But on the field or court, things were different. The rhythm of the game, the constant motion, and the need for quick decisions felt like second nature. Sports have given me structure, an outlet for my energy, and a sense of calm amid the chaos of my racing mind. I realized that while ADHD might complicate things off the field, it often felt like an advantage during play. My ability to hyper-focus on the game, anticipate movements, and adapt quickly to new situations became my strengths. Being bilingual also played an important role in shaping my athletic journey. Coming from a bilingual household, I was often switching between two languages, which trained my brain to multitask and adapt quickly—skills that translated well into sports. Whether I was calling out plays in English or strategizing with family members in another language, this ability to think across linguistic boundaries helped me see the field from multiple perspectives. It was more than just speaking two languages—it was about understanding different ways of communicating, and that’s something that helped me both as a player and a teammate. Of course, ADHD made certain aspects of training challenging. I often struggled with routines, and focusing during long, technical drills felt like an uphill battle. But I found ways to manage it, learning to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. On the field, my mind could wander, but I embraced the unpredictability. My awareness of my surroundings often helped me spot opportunities that others might miss—an opening for a pass, a defender out of position. Playing sports became a tool for managing my ADHD. The physicality and pace of participating in athletics helped burn off excess energy, allowing me to refocus my thoughts afterward. As a bilingual athlete with ADHD, I’ve learned that these parts of my identity aren’t obstacles to overcome but strengths to be embraced. My ADHD gives me a different kind of focus, one that thrives in fast-paced environments. My bilingualism helps me connect with people in ways that go beyond language. And soccer—the game that first helped me find my balance—continues to be the thread that ties it all together. Looking back, I’m grateful for the challenges I’ve faced. They’ve made me more resilient, more adaptable, and more determined. They’ve shown me that being different isn’t a weakness; it’s a way to see the world—and the field—with fresh eyes. Today, I embrace my ADHD, my bilingual background, and my athleticism as interconnected parts of who I am, each one giving me the tools to succeed in every arena I step into.

If one looked at me, they would say that I am a fortunate girl. I play three varsity sports, I am president of my senior class, I am first chair violin, but I had a dark secret. I couldn't read at grade level until I started 7th grade. Do you know how much not being able to read well impacts a person's life? When I was in first grade, I was constantly reprimanded for not being able to sit in my seat. My mom had to make weekly visits to school to speak to the teacher about my behavior. On my second quarter report card, I got a D in reading. My mom was upset that my teacher was so focused on my behavior that she failed to mention I could not read. This began my journey of reading intervention. Twice a week I was pulled out of class to do reading intervention. My mom sat with me every night trying to get me to learn the first 200 sight words that I needed to know to improve. To me the words were just a blur that wouldn't stay in my mind. When I got to second grade, my friends were starting to read short chapter books when I struggled to get through level 2 readers. I hated reading and I especially hated reading independently. Improvements were very slow. My teacher at the time, Ms. P had a tough conversation with my parents. She thought I had ADHD which was impacting my ability to focus. After my parents and teacher did the Vanderbilt test, I was formally diagnosed with ADHD. This didn't really mean anything to me, but it certainly was a relief to my parents because it explained why I was struggling. At the same time that I am struggling with learning sight words and sitting still to read, I was learning to play violin. I loved playing. When I stood up and swayed with the music, I felt free. My violin instructor Mr. K. who has now been teaching me for 13 years could see my talent. By the end of third grade, I could sight read music, but still couldn't read at grade level. I was embarrassed. When the teacher wanted me to read out loud, I could feel my stomach turn into knots. I was still doing reading intervention. By the end of fourth grade, I finally read my first chapter book. I realized that as my ability to play music improved so did my reading and my focus. Finally in 6th, when I took the end of the year I-ready testing, I was at grade level. I’m a senior in high school now, and probably will never love reading, but I can get the job done. Honestly, I think I overcame my fear or reading and my reading disability by focusing what I was good at. I am good at sports; I am good at playing the violin. I believe playing the violin improved my ability to concentrate and gave me the confidence that I could do hard things. I took this confidence to improve my ability to read. I would tell anyone who is facing adversity to be patient with yourself. It take time to overcome something difficult. I would tell them to remain positive. I really struggled, but instead of putting myself down, I worked hard at sports and violin which I loved and guess what happened, my reading got better. My three "Ps" for success are patience, positivity, and perseverance. These are the key to overcoming adversity!