Rough, hard, and jagged are words that are commonly used to describe a rock. However, in my story, a rock represents a foundational and pivotal life lesson. Often times, rocks buried deep beneath the earth's surface serve as obstacles to trees attempting to establish their roots. With a bit of effort, the roots change course and the very rocks that once served as obstacles now stabilize the tree as it grows, functioning as a crucial part of the tree's foundation. When I was younger, I wanted to be seen as outgoing, funny, and authentic. I danced and sang and made a fool of myself. All in attempts to make those around me smile. These antics peaked on the basketball court. Much like an opportunistic young tree’s roots search for water and nutrients, I sought laughter and smiles. As I grew older and continued making unforgettable memories, my love for the sport only grew. My freshman year of high school, I made the varsity team. I was thrilled. My hard work had paid off. Transitioning from Rec league basketball to high school basketball was a major challenge I had underestimated. I had always struggled with anxiety, but my thoughts had never been this consuming. I spent countless hours obsessing over how I was perceived by others. The seedling that once spent its time growing and evolving was now a sapling encountering its first obstacle, a rock. My love for basketball was lost in an endless cycle of negative thoughts. My body paralyzed by anxiety. All seven fans in the bleachers now became the priority. Were they going to talk about me at school tomorrow? I was convinced my teammates and coaches resented me due to my constant pattern of underperforming. My sophomore season, however, I was named captain by my coaches. Everyone turned to me expecting me to crack a smile, but instead I stared blankly as my mind raced. It all felt impossible. How was I supposed to lead the team when I was fighting my own battles? My high school basketball coach had started a team tradition. On the first Saturday practice of the season, my coach would hand out a rock to the most deserving player. He would start his speech with the simple phrase “You rock because...”. He would share his thoughts on why that player had earned the rock that week. The previous week’s recipient would choose the next teammate. Although I had been awarded the rock several times, one in particular was pivotal. One Saturday, my coach called us into the huddle to give my teammate the chance to present the rock to the next hard-working player. I thought for certain it would be awarded to my teammate who had clearly outperformed me for the past month. Instead, she turned and looked at me. She tossed the rock into my hands and started her speech “Maya, you rock because no matter what the circumstances are, you always lift everyone else up around you”. This moment for many may have been labeled as unremarkable, but for me it was beyond powerful. It reminded me that the people around me didn't notice the shots I had missed; they noticed the encouragement I had provided them when they most needed it. Being awarded the team rock became a reflection of my foundational strength. It illuminates one of my gifts. I am now a stronger tree; with my branches reaching further. Neighboring trees have begun to lean in, seeking my strength to help them grow.

Rough, hard, and jagged are words that are commonly used to describe a rock. However, in my story, a rock represents a foundational and pivotal life lesson. Often times, rocks buried deep beneath the earth's surface serve as obstacles to trees attempting to establish their roots. With a bit of effort, the roots change course and the very rocks that once served as obstacles now stabilize the tree as it grows, functioning as a crucial part of the tree's foundation. When I was younger, I wanted to be seen as outgoing, funny, and authentic. I danced and sang and made a fool of myself. All in attempts to make those around me smile. These antics peaked on the basketball court. Much like an opportunistic young tree’s roots search for water and nutrients, I sought laughter and smiles. As I grew older and continued making unforgettable memories, my love for the sport only grew. My freshman year of high school, I made the varsity team. My hard work had paid off. Transitioning from Rec league basketball to high school basketball shifted my mindset entirely. The competition was now more intense. I spent countless hours obsessing over how I was perceived by others. The seedling that once spent its time growing and evolving was now a sapling encountering its first obstacle, a rock. My love for basketball was lost in an endless cycle of negative thoughts. My body paralyzed by anxiety. All seven fans in the bleachers now became the priority. Were they going to talk about me at school tomorrow? I was convinced my teammates resented me due to my constant pattern of underperforming. My sophomore season, however, I was named captain by my coaches. Everyone turned to me expecting me to crack a smile, but instead I stared blankly as my mind raced. It all felt impossible. How was I supposed to lead the team when I was struggling with my own anxiety? My high school basketball coach had started a team tradition. The first Saturday practice of the season, my coach would award a rock to the most deserving player. He would start his speech with the phrase “You rock because...”. He would share his thoughts on why that player had earned the rock that week. The previous week’s recipient would choose the next teammate. Although I had been awarded the rock several times, one in particular was pivotal. One Saturday, my coach called us into the huddle to give my teammate the chance to present the rock to the next hard-working player. I thought for certain it would be awarded to my teammate who had clearly outperformed me for the past month. Instead, she turned and looked at me. She tossed the rock into my hands and started her speech “Maya, you rock because no matter what the circumstances are, you always lift everyone else up around you”. This moment for many may have been labeled as unremarkable, but for me it was beyond powerful. I had been reminded of something crucial to who I am. I enjoy uplifting those around me. Helping them succeed and celebrating their achievements. I found peace in empowering others. Being awarded the team rock became a reflection of my foundational strength. It illuminates one of my gifts. I am now a stronger tree; with my branches reaching further. My battle with anxiety is not over, but my new perspective has allowed me to eliminate my negative self-talk and live in the moment. I plan to give back to my community by mentoring other young athletes who face similar mental health struggles.

Rough, hard, and jagged are words that are commonly used to describe a rock. However, in my story, a rock represents a foundational and pivotal life lesson. Often times, rocks buried deep beneath the earth's surface serve as obstacles to trees attempting to establish their roots. With a bit of effort, the roots change course and the very rocks that once served as obstacles now stabilize the tree as it grows, functioning as a crucial part of the tree's foundation. When I was younger, I wanted to be seen as outgoing, funny, and authentic. I danced and sang and made a fool of myself. All in attempts to make those around me smile. These antics peaked on the basketball court. Much like an opportunistic young tree’s roots search for water and nutrients, I sought laughter and smiles. The most cherished ones came from my teammates. As I grew older and continued making unforgettable memories, my love for the sport only grew. My freshman year of high school, I made the varsity team. I was thrilled. My hard work had paid off. Transitioning from Rec league basketball to high school basketball shifted my mindset entirely. The competition was more intense. I spent countless hours obsessing over how I was perceived by others. The seedling that once spent its time growing and evolving was now a sapling encountering its first obstacle, a rock. My love for basketball was lost in an endless cycle of negative thoughts. My body paralyzed by anxiety. All seven fans in the bleachers now became the priority. Would they talk about me at school tomorrow? I was convinced my teammates and coaches resented me due to my pattern of underperforming. My sophomore season, however, I was named captain by my coaches. Everyone turned to me expecting me to crack a smile, but instead I stared blankly as my mind raced. How was I supposed to lead the team when I was struggling with my own fears? My high school basketball coach had started a team tradition. On the first Saturday practice of the season, my coach would hand out a rock to the most deserving player. He would start his speech with the phrase “You rock because...”. He would share his thoughts on why that player had earned the rock that week. The previous week’s recipient would choose the next teammate. Although I had been awarded the rock several times, one in particular was pivotal. One Saturday, my coach called us into the huddle to give my teammate the chance to present the rock to the next hard-working player. I thought for certain it would be awarded to my teammate who had clearly outperformed me for the past month. Instead, she turned and looked at me. She tossed the rock into my hands and started her speech “Maya, you rock because no matter what the circumstances are, you always lift everyone else up around you”. This moment for many may have been labeled as unremarkable, but for me it was beyond powerful. I had been reminded of something crucial to who I am. I enjoy is lifting those around me. Helping them succeed and celebrating their achievements. I found purpose in empowering others. Being awarded the team rock became a reflection of my foundational strength. It illuminates one of my gifts. I am now a stronger tree; with my branches reaching further. Neighboring trees have begun to lean in, seeking my strength to help them grow. I am confident that my passion for supporting others and helping them excel will always be a part of who I am.

Rough, hard, and jagged are words that are commonly used to describe a rock. However, in my story, a rock represents a foundational and pivotal life lesson that I discovered on the Basketball court. Often times, rocks buried deep beneath the earth's surface serve as obstacles to trees attempting to establish their roots. With a bit of effort, the roots change course and the very rocks that once served as obstacles now stabilize the tree as it grows, functioning as a crucial part of the tree's foundation. When I was younger, I wanted to be seen as outgoing, funny, and authentic. I danced and sang and made a fool of myself. All in attempts to make those around me smile. These antics peaked on the basketball court. My happy place. Much like an opportunistic young tree’s roots search for water and nutrients, I sought laughter and smiles. The most cherished ones came from my teammates. As I grew older and continued making unforgettable memories, my love for the sport only grew. My freshman year of high school, I made the varsity team. I was thrilled. My hard work had paid off. Transitioning from Rec league basketball to high school basketball shifted my mindset entirely. The competition was now more intense. I spent countless hours obsessing over how I was perceived by others. The seedling that once spent its time growing and evolving was now a sapling encountering its first obstacle, a rock. My love for basketball was lost in an endless cycle of negative thoughts. My body paralyzed by anxiety. I was convinced my teammates and coaches resented me due to my constant pattern of underperforming. My sophomore season, however, I was named captain by my coaches. Everyone turned to me expecting me to crack a smile, but instead I stared blankly as my mind raced. It felt impossible. How was I supposed to lead the team when I was struggling with my own fears? My high school basketball coach had started a team tradition. The first Saturday practice of the season, my coach would hand out a rock to the most deserving player. He would start his speech with the phrase “You rock because...”. He would share his thoughts on why that player had earned the rock that week. The previous week’s recipient would choose the next teammate. Although I had been awarded the rock several times, one in particular was pivotal. One Saturday, my coach called us into the huddle to give my teammate the chance to present the rock to the next hard-working player. I thought for certain it would be awarded to my teammate who had clearly outperformed me for the past month. Instead, she turned and looked at me. She tossed the rock into my hands and started her speech “Maya, you rock because no matter what the circumstances are, you always lift everyone else up around you”. This moment for many may have been labeled as unremarkable, but for me it was beyond powerful. I was reminded of something crucial to who I am. I find joy in helping those around me succeed. Helping them succeed and celebrating their achievements. I found purpose in empowering others. Being awarded the team rock became a reflection of my foundational strength. It illuminates one of my gifts. I am now a stronger tree; with my branches reaching further. I now plan to satisfy my love for the sport by playing club basketball in college. Receiving this scholarship would eliminate the financial burden of playing a club sport. Allowing me to continue finding ways to uplift my teammates.