⸻ One person who has had a significant impact on my life is professional tennis player Sloane Stephens. Since middle school, I have been fortunate to be sponsored by her foundation, which has provided me with opportunities I would have never imagined. Through her support, I was able to attend tennis tournaments, receive training at elite academies, and continue my education in a way that aligned with my athletic and academic goals. What makes her impact so powerful is not just the material support she offered, but the message it sent: that I was seen, valued, and believed in. Before her sponsorship, I sometimes questioned whether my dreams were realistic. Coming from a background where resources were limited, it was easy to feel like the odds were against me. But Sloane’s investment in me helped flip that mindset. Her belief in my potential made me believe in myself more. She taught me—without ever having to say it out loud—that success isn’t just about individual effort, but also about using your platform to uplift others. Watching her not only excel in her sport but also give back to her community inspired me to do the same. This experience has shaped my aspirations in powerful ways. I plan to become a dentist, not just to help people improve their oral health, but to empower them to embrace their confidence and identity. A smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and I want to help people, especially children, feel proud of theirs. I also plan to create a foundation that helps inner-city youth—particularly kids of color—get introduced to sports, wellness, mental health, and self-care. These are the tools that changed my life, and I want to pass them on to others. In everything I do, I want to honor the influence that Sloane had on me—not by copying her path exactly, but by continuing the legacy of lifting others as I climb. I hope that one day, someone will look at me the way I look at her: as someone who showed them what was possible and helped them take the first step toward their dream. As a result of all the support and hard work, I was recruited to play tennis at Clark Atlanta University, and I’ll be starting there in the fall of 2025. I’m excited for this next chapter and even more excited to give back along the way.

What I’ve Learned from Tennis and How It Has Shaped My Future Tennis has been more than just a sport for me—it’s been a lifelong teacher, shaping my character, discipline, and vision for the future. From the first time I picked up a racket, I learned that success isn’t measured solely by wins and losses but by the lessons you gather through hard work, resilience, and personal growth. One of the most valuable lessons tennis has taught me is discipline. The individual nature of the sport requires consistent focus and dedication; there’s no team to fall back on when things get tough. Every match, practice, and training session has shown me the importance of preparation and perseverance. These habits have carried over into other areas of my life, especially my academic journey as a Biology major. Just like I approach my training regimen with structure and commitment, I tackle my studies with the same level of discipline, especially as I prepare for dental school. Tennis has also taught me resilience in the face of setbacks. Losses are inevitable in the sport, but what matters most is how you respond. Every defeat has pushed me to analyze my weaknesses, refine my strategy, and come back stronger. This mindset will be invaluable in my future career as a dentist, where challenges and unexpected outcomes are part of the process. I’ve learned that setbacks are not failures—they’re opportunities for growth, both on and off the court. Another crucial lesson from tennis is the importance of mental toughness and self-belief. Staying calm under pressure, maintaining focus during intense matches, and overcoming doubts have strengthened my mental resilience. This skill will be essential in high-stakes situations in the dental field, where precision and composure are critical. Additionally, it has inspired my passion for mental health advocacy, particularly for youth in underprivileged communities. The support I’ve received through organizations like the Sloane Stephens Foundation has shown me the power of mentorship and opportunity. Their belief in me inspired my desire to give back, my goal of starting a foundation that introduces inner-city kids of color to sports. I want to help young people develop the same skills and confidence that tennis has given me—skills that extend beyond the court into every aspect of life. Finally, tennis has helped me discover the importance of balance. Juggling academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities has taught me time management and the value of rest and self-care. These lessons will continue to guide me as I pursue my goals in dentistry, business, and community outreach. In every way, tennis has shaped who I am today and who I aim to become. It has instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion—qualities that will help me excel as a dentist, entrepreneur, and advocate for youth. My experiences on the court have laid the foundation for a future dedicated to helping others embrace their potential and, ultimately, their smiles.