As soon as I stepped foot on a diving board, I knew I had found my future. I was not new to flipping through the air because I have been a gymnast for about 10 years. I have also dabbled with swimming throughout my life as well, but diving gave me something that neither sport had: the perfect fusion of grace, power, and freedom. I guess you could say diving is a combination of both gymnastics and swimming. In just short of four years, I've gone from a beginner to one of the top 100 divers in the country as well as second in the state of California. Now, as a soon-to-be Division 1 student-athlete, I know that every dive I have completed and all of the hours I have spent training is one step toward that goal. Dedication is the heartbeat of my success, both on the board and in the classroom. I do extra dives and extra drills as well as watching every other dive in slow motion to break down the technique. This ensures that every toe point, jump, or twist feels like second nature. This drive carries into my academic life, too. I am able to work hard in my athletics while also maintaining a strong GPA and approach each class with discipline and focus. Balancing academics and athletics is not easy, but I love the challenge which is just part of who I am. Though diving is an individual sport, we still use teamwork just as importantly as any other sport. My teammates and I continue to push each other everyday and cheer each other on through rough practices or specific dives that may not be going our way. We always celebrate personal achievements, like new dives. We are able to openly share advice or just be encouraging and uplifting when one is down. As the oldest on the team, currently, I take pride in being a role model on deck. Helping newer divers, leading by example, and showing that greatness comes from consistency and not shortcuts. Resilience is built dive by dive. I've had setbacks, missed entries, belly flops, mental blocks, and injuries, but I always knew the importance of not letting those define me. Instead, I've learned to treat failure as feedback. Every mistake is a lesson, and every challenge is a chance to grow. I've stood on the deck after a bad dive, taken a deep breath, and climbed back up again. The hardest part about diving is consistency. So, during practice I brush off the bad dives and keep going until I make a change or I make the dive better than the last one. That resilience does not end at the pool; it's how I face tests, group projects, and personal struggles with grit and grace. Diving has shaped me into a disciplined, determined, and resilient student-athlete. I've poured everything into this sport because I love it and because it made me who I am today.

Whether it's the pages of Gregory Maguire's novel, the amazing Broadway show, or the moving film, "Wicked" has captured my heart in all formats. Each version offers a unique lens on the story of Elphaba and Glinda. It showcases their complex relationship and the struggles against societal expectations. This tale's rich exploration of identity and morality resonates deeply with me. It reminds us that perceptions are often more nuanced than they appear. Through Elphaba's journey from misunderstood outcast to empowered figure, I find inspiration to embrace my own uniqueness and even dive into others'. Complementing the story are the stirring musical numbers that elevate that evaluate the narrative. They use songs like "Defying gravity" to empower audiences. The vibrant visuals and dynamic performances of the Broadway show and the film add layers of magic to the experience. They bring the world of Oz to life with stunning visuals and a fresh perspective. Ultimately, my love for "Wicked" spans its literary origins, theatrical brilliance, and cinematic interpretation, making it a timeless tale that continues to inspire and enchant. I have no doubt that the excitement that builds within me each time I press play on the remote or open the pages of the novel continues forever.