Wrestling is by far one of the most demanding sports that I have ever participated in. When I first stepped foot on the mat, I was caught off guard. The physicality and testosterone felt in the room were completely on the charts. Higher than football, baseball, track & field- all other sports that I tried and failed. Truly, I sucked at mostly every sport that I tried. Wrestling was not any different. When I first started, I was overweight and out of shape. It was extremely hard for me to keep up with the physical aspect of the sport. I was for sure not set on wrestling a second year but one of my teammates saw potential in me and convinced me to attend pre-season practices. As the season progressed, something clicked. I stopped complaining and I stopped letting myself down. I fixed my diet. Every day I gave 110 percent in practice- staying late and working hard. I also conditioned at home. I ran the bike trail by my house to increase my endurance. I lost body fat and gained muscle. I started paying attention to the moves being demonstrated and I gave my partner a good feel so that not only was I getting better, but we were both getting better. My mind transformed, and I became more confident in myself. This attitude led me to get regionals third place and the most improved wrestler award while only being a second-year wrestler. Now, at the end of my high school wrestling career, I can proudly say that wrestling is my favorite sport. It has taught me how to be a leader who is dedicated, confident, disciplined, and respectful. These values are important because they are the main qualities that I strive to project in my life. Wrestling has also influenced my career choice. One of my dreams is to live and work in the corporate world of Japan and become fluent in Japanese language and culture. So much of Japanese values reminds me of the lessons that I learned while wrestling. For example, Japanese philosopher, Miyamoto Musashi said, “You must understand that there is more than one path to the top of the mountain”. What I learned from this is that the path to my destiny may possess obstacles that I need to overcome, but I must handle them with patience and grace. I’ve practiced this concept on the wrestling mat. I’ve learned that in life, you will lose, and you will hopefully also win. I've adopted this mindset and incorporated it into all aspects of my life now- when I'm playing sports, applying for a job, or even asking a girl out on a date. The point is to keep striving towards your goal. I believe this mindset will help me to achieve all my dreams and wrestling is the foundation helping to guide me forward.

My name is Justin Grace. I am from Chicago, Illinois, and I plan to attend the University of Missouri to study business and Japanese. My plan is to work and operate my own business in Japan. I love experiencing other languages and cultures and Japanese is one of my favorites. I started teaching myself the language because it is not offered in my high school. As a business executive, I hope to use my bi-lingual skills and business knowledge and gain wealth to support my hometown community and family for generations to come. I grew up in a single-parent household. Funds have always been limited. My mother sacrifices a lot to provide for me and my little brother, who is developmentally delayed. I recall a time in middle school when I was getting bad grades and not putting forth any effort into my school work. While driving me home, my mother began to sob. She wanted me to be great and to take school seriously. She was sacrificing so much for me to have an education. Seeing her in tears broke me down and I was determined to show improvement. From that day forward, I began to study, ask questions, pay attention, and turn in homework on time. Consequently, I graduated from middle school with a 4.0 GPA and a small scholarship toward my high school education. Nevertheless, high school brought its own challenges. I was a student-athlete. But, I am not naturally athletic or talented. Truly, I sucked at mostly every sport that I tried. So I wasn’t surprised when Wrestling was not any different. When I first started, I was overweight and out of shape. My team lost a lot of dual meets due to my performance. My teammates teased me and counted me out. I almost quit. However, one of my teammates believed in me and convinced me to give the sport another try. The second time around, something clicked in my mind. I was determined to get better. Every day, I gave 110 percent in practice- staying late and working hard. I also conditioned at home. I ran the bike trail by my house to increase my endurance. I cut out junk food and gained some muscle. My body and my mind transformed. I improved so much that I made it to sectionals. My teammates took notice. Although they were all experienced wrestlers, they depended on their raw talent and did not put forth the effort that I did. In general, many of them lacked discipline. After a few consecutive wins under my belt, I saw my teammates stepping up their efforts. Many of them followed my lead and started staying extra hours after practice with me. They were running and eating better as well. By the end of the season, I received the Most Improved Wrestler award and I placed third at regionals. But I am most proud of the influence that I had on my whole team. Now, when faced with a challenge, I will continue to lead by example and stay committed to my goals.