My first year at Santa Rosa Junior College tested me in ways I never imagined, but ultimately revealed the strength of my character and the depth of my determination. Choosing to attend SRJC required immense sacrifice - a daily two-hour roundtrip commute because I couldn't afford to relocate. But I knew this was the program where I could grow both as a student and an athlete. Those predawn drives to 6am weight sessions, the late nights studying after three-hour practices, the exhaustion I pushed through - it all became part of my story of perseverance. My commitment paid off when I earned Dean's High Honors my first semester while competing at the collegiate level, proving to myself that I could excel both on the field and in the classroom. The journey wasn't without its challenges. When I didn't earn the starting position I had worked so hard for, I faced a critical choice: give up or dig deeper. I chose the latter. I became the first to arrive and last to leave, taking extra reps in right field until dark. I supported my teammates relentlessly, understanding that leadership isn't about personal glory but about making those around you better. By season's end, I had earned my starting spot through sheer determination and work ethic. Then life delivered its hardest lesson when I lost a close family friend my age. In my grief, I found profound perspective. I began telling myself "I get to" - I get to practice, I get to compete, I get to pursue my education. This simple mindset shift transformed my approach to challenges, and I made it my mission to share this perspective with my teammates, helping them find purpose in their own journeys. Looking ahead, I see my path clearly. After my two years at SRJC, I plan to continue my softball career at a four-year university while pursuing my ultimate dream: becoming a second grade teacher. I want to be for my future students what my second grade teacher was for me - a mentor who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me see my potential. I'll share my stories of perseverance with them, showing that success isn't about never failing, but about how we respond when we do. Brett Brakel's legacy resonates deeply with me because he understood what I've come to learn: that sports and education are about more than wins or grades - they're about building character, serving others, and leaving a legacy. Whether on the field or in the classroom, I want to inspire others the way I've been inspired. My journey continues, but the lessons I've learned about resilience, gratitude, and purpose will guide me as I work to make an impact both as an athlete and as an educator.