This scholarship specifically resonated with me because it prompted something I am deeply familiar with: being an underdog. When I was younger, I was never considered tall, athletic, strong, cool, or even smart. I had immense curiosity and an active imagination, but I struggled to focus in school. I also didn't have many friends growing up and was quite reserved. Throughout elementary and middle school, I was often bullied and the situation worsened over time. During the Covid pandemic, I faced challenges in school. After a year of online learning, my parents thought it would be a good idea to switch me to a private school to provide me with more attention. However, I started acting differently with my new group of friends and would often get into trouble. Towards the end of the year, these conflicts grew worse leading to frequent fights and ultimately ending up in the principal’s office. My friends turned against me, sending hurtful messages and private information to others that I had only discussed with them in our group chat. I wanted a way out, but I knew that it wouldn't resolve the underlying issues.. Graduation finally arrived, and I was thrilled to be leaving my old friends behind. I believed that high school would be a new opportunity to go from being an underdog to making a new name for myself. However, my grades and reputation plummeted. Rumors spread about me, and most kids still saw me as the scrawny kid from middle school. Determined to change, I joined water polo my freshman year and started working out relentlessly. Eventually, I met new friends and began to feel comfortable around them. Kids in sports would still laugh at me because I wasn't at their level, and I felt like I would never progress. As I entered my sophomore year, I continued playing water polo and attending club polo to enhance my skills. Seeking a new opportunity to stand out, I decided to try out for wrestling in the winter. Comparatively stronger than the previous year, I felt confident in my abilities. Although I was on junior varsity my first year, I remained determined and immersed myself in the sport. Simultaneously, my mom and I were trying to find a solution to my academic problems. I struggled with focus and motivation, hindering my ability to do well in school. Over winter break, my mom suggested testing for ADHD, and I agreed to undergo the evaluation. I tried out a few medications until I found one that significantly improved my condition. Returning to school, I approached the new year with a fresh perspective. My academic performance improved dramatically, and I developed a deep passion for wrestling. By the end of the year, I had achieved nearly straight A's, gained remarkable strength, secured a new job, and experienced a profound uplift in self confidence. As a junior in high school, I’ve dedicated myself to both academics and wrestling. I’ve transformed from struggling in most classes to earning straight A's and excelling above and beyond. I recently concluded my junior wrestling season, and I’ve made significant growth that far exceeded my expectations. After my senior year, I plan to pursue a degree in business management and then attend paramedic and fire academy programs. If I could give any advice to other underdogs, it would be to leverage your weaknesses as motivation and reflect on how fortunate you truly are. The most successful individuals didn't grow up being the best at everything; they had to develop the determination and motivation to achieve their goals.