The baseball field has had a profound impact on me. This field has developed me into the person I am today. Baseball has taught me so many things in between the lines that also translate outside of the lines. The baseball field has turned into my home away from home and taught me essential life lessons. The first time I stepped onto the field I was four years old; it was magical. The green grass in the outfield and the way it felt walking with cleats through the dirt of the infield. This field has shown me so many things starting with the brotherhood of my teammates. They are not just random people playing a game; they become family. Family is everything when you play together, you have to trust those around you. I have learned to be a leader, who leads by example. After long days in school, all I want to do is get out on that field because it brings me comfort and it turns into my home. On game day there is nothing better than lacing up my cleats and going to work. The rush of excitement that you get right before the game; hearing the announcer say your name, running out onto that field, and standing for the national anthem, there is no feeling like that. Baseball has taught me a lot about myself to include my work ethic. I was never the most talented on the field, but no one will outwork me. In order to play at the level, I want to play, I have to work harder than most. This has also translated to the classroom where I am always going to do what it takes to be successful. The game has taught me whether it's on the mound or in the classroom, I am going to give it everything that I have no matter what. Without a baseball field, I would not be the person I am today. For me in baseball there have been ups and downs. The things I have learned from those experiences and the people I have met between those two white lines have shaped me into the person I am today. I am grateful that I have found myself in this game and grown as a person and learned life lessons that will continue to help me throughout the rest of my life. In addition to playing baseball at the next level, I also want to be a Pre-K teacher. Many of the lessons I have learned from baseball will also transfer to the classroom. I love working with and having a positive impact on little kids. I have volunteered in a Pre-K classroom the last 2 years and the impact the children have had on me is profound. I love being a role model for them and I love to help them figure out simple things like writing their names and learning colors. It is important to build the team in the classroom just like on the field. Everyone in the classroom has a role to play just like on the field. I look forward to working hard at college to make my dreams of playing college baseball and eventually being a Pre-K teacher a reality.