
Jake Pollock
1x
Finalist
Jake Pollock
1x
FinalistEducation
Hixson High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
- Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
Career
Dream career field:
Law Enforcement
Dream career goals:
Derek Chastain Memorial Scholarship
To me, living a life of purpose means choosing to live in a way that positively impacts the people around you. It means waking up every day with the intention of doing something meaningful and having a purpose in life, whether that’s helping someone out, working toward your goals, or being someone others can rely on. A life of purpose is not just about personal success, but about using your opportunities and abilities to influence others in a positive way or manner.
One of the biggest ways I have learned about living with purpose is through sports, especially football. Football has taught me discipline, commitment, and the importance of putting the team before yourself. It has also taught me that the small choices you make every day matter. Showing up early, putting in extra work, encouraging teammates, and staying focused during difficult moments all contribute to something bigger than yourself. Those lessons apply far beyond the field.
Through football and school, I’ve realized that leadership doesn’t always mean being the loudest person in the room. Sometimes leadership is about setting an example through your actions. Younger players and classmates watch how you handle challenges, how hard you work, and how you treat others. Because of that, I try to make intentional choices that reflect the kind of person I want to be. Whether it’s helping a teammate who’s struggling, encouraging someone who is having a tough day, or simply showing respect to others, those small decisions can have a bigger impact than we realize.
Living with purpose also means thinking about the kind of impact you want to leave on your community. I believe that positive change often starts with simple actions. Volunteering, supporting teammates, helping classmates, and being involved in your community are all ways that someone can make a difference. You don’t have to do something huge to have an impact. Consistently choosing to do the right thing and help others can influence people in ways you may never even see.
As I move forward into college and the next stage of my life, I plan to continue making intentional and positive choices by staying committed to my goals and the people around me. I plan to play college football and continue developing the leadership skills that sports have taught me. I want to be someone who motivates others to work hard, stay disciplined, and push themselves to be better.