Football has brought me both joy and pain, shaping not only my character but also the man I want to be. One of the most defining experiences was about my faith. Before my senior season, I was determined to play at the collegiate level. I pushed through endless summer practices, working after team workouts to sharpen my game. Still, the silence was loud. College coaches followed my recruiting profile and said I had all the tangibles and saying "we'll love to have you"—but as the season began, I hadn’t received a single scholarship offer. Each game week, frustration built. I started to question whether all the hard work would ever pay off. I even had doubts about finishing my senior season at all and just call it quits. But just like football—it’s unpredictable, and sometimes, things can swing in your favor when you least expect it. By the end of the season, I had earned fifteen offers, Academic All-State and ultimately committed to Trinity University. That journey taught me perseverance, patience, and most of all, faith: the belief that hard work paired with trust can carry you through adversity. Beyond the recruiting process, football shaped how I take on challenges in every part of my life. It taught me how to lead through by action—by encouraging teammates even on the toughest days of practice and showing up early because I wanted to set the standard. I wanted to show not only my teammates, but also my coaches that I was determined to give everything I got each week. It made me inhabit discipline, not just in workouts but in academics and personal responsibilities. Because of this standard, I was able to be top 20% in my 2025 class while also finishing the year with a 4.0 GPA. This also help me to learned to manage my time, balance commitments, and stay focused when distractions crept in. Most importantly, football showed me the value of community. I’ve come to realize that no touchdown, no sack, no interception, or highlight reel matters as much as the bonds built inside the locker room and the bonds off the field. When I step onto campus at Trinity this fall, I won’t just bring stats—I’ll carry the lessons that have molded me: resilience, humility, and a readiness to uplift others the way my teammates and coaches uplifted me in high school. My experience as a football player has given me confidence not just to face competition, but to pursue a life of purpose and impact far beyond the field.

Helping out in the community is super important for building a close-knit and caring society. There are tons of ways to pitch in, from simple acts of kindness to more organized volunteer efforts. One experience that really stood out for me was when I volunteered at a local soup kitchen, and it made me understand the power of service and empathy. When I helped out at the soup kitchen, I spent a few hours each week serving meals to people in need. It was a great way to give back and connect with folks from all walks of life. I heard so many stories that opened my eyes to the daily struggles people face. There was one guy I met who’d just lost his job and was doing everything he could to support his family. His strength and hope in such tough times inspired me. I learned that everyone has a unique story, and just taking the time to listen can be a meaningful act of kindness. Volunteering taught me how important empathy is and how even the smallest gestures can truly change someone’s day. What might feel like a little effort to one person might mean the world to someone else. Being present and offering support can show people that they aren’t alone in their hardships. This experience showed me that community involvement is vital for personal growth and overall social well-being. There are so many other ways to help out, too. Organizing clean-up drives in local parks is a great idea; it not only makes the area look nicer but also helps everyone feel good about where they live. Tutoring kids or adults is another awesome option, as it helps them learn and grow. Donating clothes or food to shelters meets immediate needs and can really change lives. Plus, supporting local businesses keeps our neighborhoods vibrant and maintains their unique character. Other simple but meaningful actions include checking in on neighbors, especially the older folks or those living alone, to see how they're doing and maybe lend a hand. These small gestures can strengthen community bonds, whether it’s sharing a meal, running errands, or just keeping them company. In a nutshell, there are so many ways to help out in our community, and every little bit counts. My time at the soup kitchen taught me not just the importance of lending a hand but also how crucial empathy is when it comes to understanding what others are going through. By coming together and looking out for one another, we can create a more caring and connected community for everyone.