After high school, I plan to continue my education by pursuing a career in barbering. I want to work in a field where I can interact with people daily, build connections, and help others feel more confident in themselves. Barbering stands out to me because it combines creativity, discipline, communication, and entrepreneurship. It is more than just cutting hair; it is about building trust, listening to people, and providing a service that positively affects how they see themselves. Long term, I see myself working in a professional barbershop and eventually owning or managing my own shop, where I can grow my skills and give back to my community. The courses I have taken through NISD have helped prepare me for a career in barbering by building skills that go beyond the classroom. Classes that required focus, precision, and consistency taught me the importance of paying attention to detail and taking pride in my work. I have also developed strong communication skills through presentations, group projects, and class discussions, which are essential when working with clients and understanding their preferences. Time management and responsibility have been major takeaways from balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities, helping me learn how to stay organized and meet expectations. These skills directly translate to barbering, where professionalism, reliability, and customer service are key to building a strong reputation and successful career. Technology has been an innovative and essential part of my experience in NISD. Tools such as Chromebooks, Canvas, and online resources have changed how I learn and stay organized. I have used technology to submit assignments, collaborate on group projects, conduct research, and communicate with teachers efficiently. These tools helped me become more independent and responsible for my own learning. Technology will continue to play a major role in my future as a barber, from scheduling appointments and managing clients to promoting my work through social media and digital platforms. Being comfortable with technology gives me an advantage as I prepare to build my personal brand and business. Like Kelly Smith, who was known as an innovator in NISD, I have challenged myself to stay involved and grow through both school and outside experiences. One of the most impactful parts of my high school experience has been being a student-athlete. Football has taught me leadership, accountability, discipline, and how to work as part of a team. These qualities are essential in barbering, where consistency, professionalism, and work ethic matter every day. I have also been involved in helping coach and support younger athletes, including assisting with coaching for my younger brother’s football team. Teaching others has helped me develop patience, communication skills, and confidence. Outside of athletics, I am committed to personal growth and self-discipline. I consistently train in the weight room, set goals for improvement, and hold myself accountable. These habits reflect my willingness to work hard and improve over time. Whether through academics, athletics, or mentoring others, I strive to make the most of every opportunity. These experiences have shaped who I am today and will guide me as I pursue a career in barbering and work to make a positive impact on the people I serve.

A coach, to me, is far more than someone who teaches plays or runs drills. A coach is someone who steps in when life becomes difficult and chooses to care anyway. They are a mentor, a leader, and often a support system during times when an athlete may feel overwhelmed or uncertain. I’ve learned that the true impact of a coach isn’t measured by wins or statistics, but by the way they show up for their players beyond the field. There was a time in my life when my family was going through struggles that made it hard for me to get to practice. Transportation wasn’t always available, and because of that, I risked missing practices even though I wanted to be there. It was frustrating knowing that my commitment and effort might be questioned because of circumstances outside of my control. I cared deeply about my team and my growth, but I felt limited by things I couldn’t fix on my own. During that period, my coach stepped in and offered to give me rides to practice every morning. He didn’t hesitate or make me feel like it was an inconvenience. He simply made sure I had a way to show up. That small action had a huge impact on me. It showed me that my coach believed in my dedication and valued me as more than just an athlete. Those rides weren’t just about getting to practice—they were about being supported when I needed it most. Knowing that someone was willing to go out of their way for me motivated me to work harder and stay consistent. It pushed me to show up with energy, focus, and gratitude every single day. I learned accountability through that experience, not because I was forced to, but because someone invested in me. I didn’t want to waste the opportunity I was given. My coach also taught me leadership through his actions. He showed me that being a leader means helping others when they’re struggling, even when it isn’t required. That lesson changed how I view teamwork and responsibility. It made me more aware of the people around me and more willing to step up when someone else needs support. Beyond sports, these lessons have carried into my everyday life. My coach taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of showing up even when things are hard. He prepared me not just to compete, but to face real-life challenges with confidence and determination. To me, a coach is someone who sees potential, removes obstacles, and helps their players become better people. A coach’s influence lasts far beyond the field, and because of experiences like mine, I know that the lessons I’ve learned will stay with me for the rest of my life.