It is because of soccer that I learned how important it is to take care of myself. In order to perform well, I have to manage my sleep schedule, eating habits, water intake, and overall stress. I also have to be diligent with my time, completing homework and assignments before soccer. It is through soccer that I have also learned how to work with others, and why it has crucial importance. Each of us must learn to work with one another. This past year was by far the most difficult. It took our team several months to understand and work our way around each other as we learn to focus on ourselves, and not other's mistakes. Soccer is constantly teaching me different lessons. Track taught me "you are capable of doing hard things". I really don't like running, I mean who does? I signed up for track to improve my soccer skills, but I ended up falling in love with the sport. I run the open 400, the 4x400, and I pole vault. Although I have not won any big events, I have taken away something almost arguably more important; perseverance. I still don't like running but I love track because it stretches me, and pushes me to my limits. Pole Vaulting also requires work outside of the track. I am often in the gym lifting weights, or studying form. I can apply this skill to my life; In school, if I don't understand something, I can do my own research to understand more fully what is going on. Pole Vaulting taught me self-reliance. So, many of the sports I have done have led to some incredible student-teacher moments and amazing life lessons. But sports have also led to long-lasting friendships, joy, and excitement. I have moved 7 times, and I can tell you right now that sports are the only thing that has led me to many incredible friendships. I have had the opportunity to work with so many incredible and unique people in soccer and basketball. My favorite friend-making experience comes from the track. I and a few others were waiting in line to run the open 400, saying silent prayers and jumping off our jitters. Suddenly a girl jumps around and grabs my hands, "are you nervous?" she says. "Oh, yea! this is my first time running this thing!" I say back. She shakes my hands and says "we are gonna get through this together, we can do it!!". After the race I ended up getting her Snapchat and we became not racing enemies, but racing buddies. I enjoy my time with others on the basketball court, on the soccer field, or the track. And I love being competitive, running around, and playing soccer. Even though sports can sometimes be difficult, more than anything it has proven to be a great gift to me.

I have moved seven times. I have lived very NorthWest, in Washington, and very SouthEast, In West Virginia. I have met lots of people, and I've been able to recognize that we are all so different. We have unique backgrounds, experiences, talents, and ways of thinking. But each of us are in search of just about the same thing; happiness. With a college education, I hope to get a job where I can help people daily. I would be interested in working with genetics to help those with rare diseases. I read "The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot last year, which opened my eyes to the struggles those with genetic diseases and illness face. Henrietta Lacks (who you may know as HeLa cells) battled cervical cancer up until her death, but the struggle didn't end there. Her family fought through years of confusion and harassment to understand what really happened, and what was done with her cells. Disease brings fear and struggles to not only the affected individual but also those who love them. I would be humbled to be able to help those individuals and their families. I also love art, and I would love to share this through my work, or art therapy. I have studied lots of organizations that focus on helping others, and my goal would be to eventually put together an organization of my own. One of my favorite organizations is Creativity Explored. Their mission is to provide artists with disabilities a community, and access to materials to express themselves and enjoy art. I felt inspired by this particular organization because It is helping a minority to a basic right; the pursuit of happiness. With my education, I hope to help those who need it most to have access to the tools they need to pursue their happiness. This might mean I help them receive an education or I hand them some paint and paper. I am excited to pursue an education outside of high school. Suddenly everything I learn is up to me! I am interested to learn about the world, the people, and the animals around me. We have different beliefs and attitudes, and that is such a beautiful thing worth so much exploration! I am excited to take my education to the next level and learn how I can use it to help others explore their interests and explore the world.