Finances play a crucial role in everyone’s life, and my journey with financial education has been both practical and academic. From a young age, I was interested in how money worked, how businesses made profits, and how financial decisions could shape one’s future. This curiosity led me to take a business finance course in high school and start my own small shoe business. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable knowledge about managing money, making strategic business decisions, and planning for a financially stable future. Taking business finance in high school was one of the best decisions I made. The course introduced me to essential financial concepts such as budgeting, investing, credit, and managing business expenses. I learned how to read financial statements, calculate profit margins, and understand the importance of cash flow in business operations. One of the lessons that really caught my eye was about the power of compound interest and how investing early can lead to significant financial growth over time. These lessons not only prepared me for running my own business but also taught me the importance of making smart financial decisions in my personal life. Beyond the classroom, I put my financial knowledge to the test by starting a small shoe business. Selling sneakers allowed me to experience firsthand what it takes to manage a business’s finances. I had to track inventory costs, set competitive prices, and determine how much to reinvest into the business to keep it growing. At times, I faced financial challenges, such as unexpected expenses and slow sales periods, but these obstacles pushed me to think critically and adapt. For example, I learned how to market my products more effectively through social media and how to negotiate better deals when purchasing inventory. This hands-on experience reinforced the lessons I learned in my business finance class and showed me the real-world impact of financial decision-making. Looking ahead, I plan to use what I have learned to build a successful financial future. In college, I will be studying business, and I hope to use my financial knowledge to create and manage larger business ventures. I now understand the importance of financial planning, saving, and investing, and I am committed to applying these principles to grow both personally and professionally. My goal is to not only achieve financial independence but also to create opportunities for others by building businesses that generate jobs and contribute to the economy. Through my high school education and personal business experience, I have developed a strong foundation in financial literacy. These experiences have shaped my understanding of money management and have given me the confidence to take control of my financial future. I am excited to continue learning and applying these skills to achieve my long-term goals.

The Giles family motto states, “The two most important things are to be nice and hard working.” This belief resonates deeply with me, as both kindness and perseverance have shaped my academic journey. Taking advanced courses such as AP and Dual Enrollment has strengthened my ability to work hard while also reinforcing the value of kindness in both academic and personal settings. Despite financial challenges, I have remained committed to my education and personal growth, striving to embody these values in all aspects of my life. Advanced courses have been instrumental in building my work ethic. AP and Dual Enrollment classes demand a high level of dedication, time management, and resilience. These courses push students to go beyond memorization, requiring critical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare us for college and beyond. In my experience, balancing rigorous coursework with extracurricular activities, including soccer and my business, has taught me how to persevere through difficult moments. Late nights studying for exams, preparing presentations, and tackling complex assignments have reinforced my belief that success comes from consistent effort and determination. However, working hard is not just about academics, it is also about how we treat others around us. Advanced courses have given me opportunities to collaborate with classmates, seek help from teachers, and mentor peers who struggle with challenging material. Through group projects and study sessions, I have learned the value of patience, empathy, and teamwork. In a competitive academic environment, it is easy to focus solely on personal achievements, but true success comes from lifting others up. Being kind to those around me, whether by offering encouragement or sharing knowledge, has created a supportive learning environment that benefits everyone. While my academic journey has been rewarding, financial circumstances have presented significant obstacles. Higher education is expensive, and the cost of tuition, books, and living expenses can be overwhelming. My family has always emphasized the importance of education, but financial constraints mean that I must seek scholarships, work part-time, and carefully plan my future to make college a reality. These challenges have only strengthened my determination to succeed. Instead of viewing financial hardships as setbacks, I see them as motivation to work even harder. They remind me to be resourceful, disciplined, and committed to my goals. In the face of these challenges, kindness remains just as important as hard work. I have learned to appreciate the support of teachers, mentors, and peers who encourage me to keep pushing forward. I also strive to offer the same kindness to others who may be facing their own struggles. By staying true to these values, I am confident that I can overcome obstacles and achieve my dreams. Ultimately, the lessons I have learned from my advanced courses and financial challenges align perfectly with the Giles family motto. Hard work fuels my ambition, and kindness ensures that I make a positive impact along the way. These values will continue to guide me as I pursue higher education and strive to create a better future for myself and others.

Being a student-athlete has profoundly influenced my future career goals, teaching me discipline, leadership, and resilience qualities that are essential in both sports and business. Balancing academics and athletics have not only strengthened my work ethic but also prepared me for the challenges of entrepreneurship and engineering. The lessons I have learned on the field translate directly into my aspirations to grow my business and pursue a career in business and electronic engineering. One of the most significant ways that being a student-athlete has shaped my career path is by instilling a strong sense of discipline and time management. Juggling daily practices, games, and schoolwork requires careful planning and prioritization. These skills have been invaluable in managing my business, where I must balance product development, customer interactions, and financial management. Just as I dedicate time to training to improve my performance on the field, I apply the same level of commitment to growing my business, ensuring its success while also staying focused on my academic goals. Leadership is another key trait I have developed through athletics. As a player, I have learned how to motivate my teammates, adapt to different game situations, and take responsibility for both victories and losses. This ability to lead and work within a team is crucial in business. Whether managing employees, collaborating with partners, or negotiating with clients, strong leadership skills set the foundation for success. My experiences as an athlete have prepared me to confidently navigate the business world, making decisions under pressure and inspiring those around me. Resilience is perhaps the most valuable lesson I have gained from sports. Facing tough losses, injuries, or setbacks has taught me how to push through challenges and stay focused on my long-term goals. This mindset is crucial in business, where obstacles and failures are inevitable. Instead of being discouraged, I have learned to see failures as opportunities to improve and innovate. This resilience will also serve me well in my pursuit of electronic engineering, a field that requires problem-solving and perseverance. My experiences as a student-athlete have also reinforced my passion for business and technology. I have always been fascinated by how innovation drives industries forward, and my entrepreneurial journey has given me firsthand experience in product development, marketing, and financial management. By combining my business knowledge with my interest in electronic engineering, I aim to develop new technologies that can revolutionize industries, including sports technology. My goal is to create products that enhance athletic performance, injury prevention, or even fan engagement, bridging the gap between my love for sports and my career ambitions. Ultimately, being a student-athlete has provided me with the discipline, leadership, and resilience needed to succeed in both business and engineering. The challenges I have faced and the skills I have developed will continue to shape my future, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in my chosen fields.

Adversity is an inevitable part of life, but how we respond to challenges defines who we are. In my journey, I have faced obstacles that tested my determination, resilience, and character. Whether in academics, athletics, or personal life, I have learned to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth. One of the most significant challenges I have encountered was pursuing my soccer dreams while balancing academic responsibilities and financial constraints. Through perseverance, discipline, and the support of my family, I have found ways to overcome these struggles and stay focused on my goals. From a young age, soccer has been my passion. However, excelling in the sport required dedication, resources, and time—things that were sometimes difficult to balance. Training sessions, travel for tournaments, and equipment costs added financial pressure on my family. There were moments when I questioned whether I could continue playing at a competitive level. Instead of letting these obstacles discourage me, I developed a strong work ethic, seeking scholarships and opportunities that would allow me to continue playing while easing the financial burden. Applying for a scholarship has been one way I have taken control of my future, demonstrating my commitment to both academics and athletics. Beyond financial challenges, I have also faced setbacks in my soccer career. Injuries and tough losses have tested my mental strength. I remember a particularly difficult injury that kept me off the field for weeks. Watching my teammates play while I had to sit on the sidelines was frustrating and disheartening. However, instead of letting my injury define me, I focused on recovery and came back stronger. I committed to physical therapy, worked on my mindset, and used the time to improve other aspects of my game, such as strategy and leadership. This experience taught me that setbacks are temporary, and that perseverance is key to overcoming adversity. Academically, I have faced my own struggles, particularly in managing my time between schoolwork and soccer commitments. Taking rigorous courses in business and electronic engineering requires focus and discipline. There have been nights when I stayed up late studying after a long day of practice. However, I have learned to adapt by developing strong time management skills, prioritizing my responsibilities, and seeking help when needed. These challenges have shaped me into a more determined and resourceful individual, preparing me for future success. Ultimately, adversity has taught me the value of resilience, hard work, and a positive mindset. My father has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me that challenges are not roadblocks but steppingstones to greatness. Through every struggle, I have emerged stronger, more focused, and more prepared to achieve my dreams. Overcoming adversity is not just about facing obstacles; it is about learning, growing, and using those experiences to fuel success.

High school is a time of growth, challenge, and self-discovery. For student-athletes, it is even more demanding, as they must balance academics with sports. Soccer, in particular, requires dedication, discipline, and significant time investment. Between practices, games, travel, and maintaining good grades, student-athletes face numerous challenges. These include time management struggles, physical and mental exhaustion, social sacrifices, and pressure to perform in both academics and sports. One of the biggest challenges for high school soccer players is managing time effectively. Soccer requires daily practices, which can last several hours, along with games that often require travel. On top of that, students must complete homework, study for tests, and participate in group projects. Finding enough time for everything can be overwhelming, especially when academic deadlines and important games overlap. Many student-athletes have to learn how to prioritize tasks, use planners, and develop efficient study habits to keep up with both commitments. Balancing soccer and academics can also lead to exhaustion. Soccer is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, and agility. After an intense practice or game, student-athletes often feel drained, making it difficult to focus on schoolwork. Late-night studying after a long day of training can result in fatigue, affecting academic performance. Additionally, the mental strain of constantly juggling responsibilities can lead to stress and burnout. Many student-athletes struggle to find enough rest, which can impact both their athletic and academic performance. Another challenge of playing soccer while excelling in school is the limited time for social activities. High school is a time when friendships and social interactions play a significant role in personal development. However, student-athletes often have to miss parties, family gatherings, and school events due to practices and games. While their peers enjoy weekends and holidays, athletes may be traveling for tournaments or catching up on schoolwork. This sacrifice can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation or missing out on important experiences. High school student-athletes often face immense pressure to excel in both soccer and academics. Coaches expect them to give their best performance on the field, while teachers demand excellence in the classroom. Some students also feel pressure from parents, teammates, and themselves to succeed. This dual responsibility can be stressful, especially for those who dream of earning scholarships or playing at the collegiate level. The fear of disappointing others or falling behind academically can add to the mental strain. Despite these challenges, many student-athletes develop valuable life skills that help them succeed in the long run. Time management, discipline, perseverance, and resilience are all essential traits that come from balancing sports and academics. Successful student-athletes learn how to set goals, stay organized, and push through adversity. Schools, coaches, and parents can also support them by encouraging healthy habits, providing academic assistance, and ensuring they have time to rest and recover. In conclusion, playing soccer while maintaining good grades in high school is a demanding task that requires commitment, sacrifice, and discipline. Student-athletes must learn to manage their time wisely, overcome physical and mental exhaustion, and handle the pressure to perform. While the journey is challenging, it also shapes them into well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future success, both on and off the field.

Soccer has always been more than a sport to me; it's a reflection of my determination, growth, and resilience. My journey has been marked by moments of pride and painful setbacks, but each of these experiences has taught me life lessons. The lowest point in my soccer career was when I fractured my ankle, a setback that shook my confidence and tested my patience. This was also recently, about 2 months ago from now. On the other hand, my best time in my soccer career was being chosen as an ECNL Southeast All Conference Player. This was a time in my career where I felt proud of myself for all the hard work I've accomplished. Together, these experiences have shaped me not only as an athlete, but also as a person who values perseverance, humility, and commitment. The fractured ankle incident occurred during a regular season game. The opposing player slide tackled me and I jumped up to avoid it, but I ended up landing on the player's leg and completely twisting my ankle. I yelled in pain as I was thinking that my whole foot snapped in half. Soon, I learned I had a fracture. As the weeks of recovery wore on, I was temporarily away from the sport I loved, left to watch from the bench as my team carried on without me. Being unable to contribute or train was frustrating, and I struggled with feelings of helplessness and fear, fear of not being the player I once was. However, this time away from the game also allowed me to develop patience and a new appreciation for the basics. In contrast, the day I was elected as an ECNL Southeast All Conference Player was one of my proudest moments. It was the culmination of countless hours of hard work, dedication, and a deep love for the game.Receiving this recognition taught me about the power of community. My achievement was not mine, but a shared victory with the coaches who mentored me, teammates who pushed me, and family who supported me through every challenge. It reminded me of the importance of gratitude and of sharing success with those who have contributed to it. This scholarship will play an important role in helping me achieve my soccer goals. It will allow me to continue developing my skills at a collegiate level, access the resources needed for peak performance, and reduce financial burdens that can be barriers for many athletes including myself. More than financial support, this scholarship represents an opportunity to pursue my dreams with focus and determination. With this support, I am determined to make an impact on and off the field, using my experiences and the education this scholarship enables to give back to my community and inspire other young athletes. This scholarship would not only support my future, but fuel my ambition to reach newer levels in soccer and beyond.

As I approach graduation, my mind is focused on the next big step: attending college. College represents not only an opportunity to pursue my academic and career goals but also a chance for personal growth. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education is an achievement that fills me with pride. This journey has been shaped by the challenges and benefits of being bilingual, as my first language is Spanish. These experiences have helped me develop resilience, adaptability, and a broader perspective, all of which will contribute to my success in college. Growing up with Spanish as my first language, I faced several challenges, especially in the early stages of my education. I remember struggling to keep up with English-speaking classmates, which made simple tasks like reading and writing feel daunting. Often, I felt like I was playing catch-up, balancing between two languages in environments where English was dominant. This experience taught me how to navigate difficult situations. In addition, there were moments when I felt misunderstood, or like I didn’t fully fit in, especially when language barriers created gaps in communication. For example, helping my family communicate with teachers or translating important documents often added an extra layer of responsibility. While this sometimes felt overwhelming, it also made me more resourceful and improved my ability to solve problems creatively. Despite the challenges, being bilingual has given me invaluable benefits. Speaking both Spanish and English has enhanced my cognitive skills, making me better at multitasking and problem-solving. Studies show that bilingual individuals often have stronger executive functioning skills, and I have felt the impact of this in my academic performance. Switching between two languages forces the brain to stay flexible, which has helped me in various areas of study. Moreover, being bilingual has allowed me to connect deeply with different communities. My ability to speak both languages bridges cultural gaps and helps me foster relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. This cultural awareness has broadened my perspective and made me more empathetic, which will serve me well in college, where I will meet people from various walks of life. I plan to use my bilingualism not only as a communication tool but as a way to share and celebrate cultural diversity. My post-graduation plans to attend college are shaped by my bilingual experience and the unique perspective it has given me. While growing up with Spanish as my first language came with challenges, it also provided me with a wealth of skills and strengths that will serve me well in higher education. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and confident that my bilingual background will help me thrive in college and beyond.

LeBron James has long been my favorite basketball player, and I believe he is the greatest of all time for several key reasons: his versatility, longevity, leadership, and off-the-court impact. These qualities set him apart not only as an athlete but as a role model. LeBron’s versatility is unmatched. He can play and excel at any position on the court. Whether he’s scoring, passing, rebounding, or defending, LeBron does it all. His ability to adapt his game to the needs of his team makes him unique. Over the course of his career, he has played with various rosters, consistently elevating his teammates’ performances and making every team he’s been a part of better. Another factor is his longevity. LeBron’s ability to maintain such an elite level of play over two decades is astounding. Many athletes experience a decline as they age, but LeBron continues to defy expectations, competing with players much younger than him. His conditioning and commitment to staying at the top of his game is unparalleled in modern sports. LeBron’s leadership is another reason I admire him. He has led teams to four NBA championships and appeared in 10 NBA Finals. It’s not just his skills but his leadership and basketball IQ that have helped him succeed. Whether it’s rallying his team in tough situations or making clutch decisions under pressure, LeBron exemplifies what it means to be a leader on the court. Off the court, LeBron has also set a standard for what it means to use your platform responsibly. Through his philanthropic efforts, like opening the “I PROMISE School” in Akron, he has proven that being great isn’t just about athletic success but about giving back to the community and inspiring future generations. In my eyes, LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time, not just for his dominance on the court, but for his impact beyond it. His combination of skill, leadership, longevity, and philanthropy is unmatched, making him a true GOAT.

Life is full of unexpected challenges, and one of the most defining moments in my life was watching my dad battle cancer. This journey has not only shaped my character but also influenced my perspective on life, my relationships, and my sense of purpose. The experience of watching him face such a difficult battle altered the way I approach challenges, deepened my emotional resilience, and motivated me to pursue my goals with a renewed sense of purpose. When my dad was first diagnosed with cancer, I was overwhelmed by a range of emotions such as fear, confusion, and helplessness. But despite his own struggles, my dad remained a source of strength for our family. His positive attitude and resilience in the face of adversity taught me a powerful lesson: life will throw challenges your way, but it is how you respond to them that defines you. Witnessing my dad’s determination to fight his illness, even on the days when he felt the weakest, inspired me to develop inner strength. His unwavering determination became a model for me in how to approach my own challenges, whether on the soccer field or in other areas of life. Seeing someone you love go through something as painful as cancer teaches you how to cope with emotional turmoil. I had to learn how to manage my own fears while also trying to be strong for my dad and my family. It was through this process that I built emotional resilience. It wasn’t easy, there were days when I felt overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the future, but my dad’s courage helped me learn that it’s okay to feel vulnerable and to ask for support when needed. This has made me more empathetic and attuned to the emotional needs of those around me. Before my dad’s diagnosis, I used to focus on small, trivial things, things that now seem inconsequential. But watching my dad endure treatments and hospital stays shifted my perspective. I started to prioritize relationships over material success, moments over milestones. Time with family and friends became more valuable, and I learned to appreciate the little moments of happiness in everyday life. I stopped taking things for granted and learned to live more fully in the present. My dad’s battle with cancer has also ignited a deeper sense of purpose within me. Despite the physical and emotional toll of his illness, he never stopped encouraging me to follow my dreams. He inspired me to not only continue playing soccer but to chase my soccer goals with determination. His resilience made me realize that setbacks are part of life, but they do not have to define your path. He taught me to fight for what I believe in and to never let obstacles deter me from achieving what I set out to do. In the end, my dad’s cancer journey has left an indelible mark on who I am today. It has taught me resilience, shaped my values, and motivated me to live with a deeper sense of purpose. Through his strength and unwavering spirit, I have learned to approach life’s challenges with a greater sense of courage, and I strive to make the most of every opportunity life presents. This experience, though difficult, has been a reminder of the fragility of life, and it has driven me to become a stronger, more compassionate, and determined person.

The recent loss of my aunt Mary from Colombia was a profound moment of grief in my life, a period that pushed me into the depths of depression. Navigating this dark terrain was not easy, but through this struggle, I discovered resilience and growth. Losing my aunt was a seismic event in my life. She was not just a relative but a beacon of warmth and wisdom, a cherished presence whose absence felt like a gaping void. Her passing stirred a tumult of emotions such as sadness, anger, confusion. Each day felt like a test of endurance, and the sorrow was so overwhelming that it seemed to cast a shadow over every aspect of my life. As the days passed, the weight of my grief began to manifest as clinical depression. I found myself withdrawing from social interactions, losing interest in activities I once enjoyed, and feeling a profound sense of hopelessness. The loss seemed to distort my reality, making it difficult to envision a future without her. It was a time when my emotional well-being seemed to crumble, and the struggle to find purpose became increasingly challenging. One of the most vivid memories of my aunt was her passionate involvement in soccer. She was always ready with advice, her insights grounded in years of watching, playing, and loving the game. Our conversations often revolved around soccer tactics, player strategies, and game experiences. Her advice ranged from practical tips on improving my technique to motivational words about perseverance and teamwork. Her guidance went beyond the field. She taught me to approach challenges with the same determination and strategic thinking that soccer demands. Whether discussing a game’s finer points or offering life lessons, her perspective was always encouraging and insightful. In the midst of my grief, her words and the shared love of soccer became a source of solace and strength. The journey to overcoming depression was neither quick nor easy, but each step forward was a testament to the resilience my aunt had always encouraged me to develop. By embracing her lessons and finding solace in soccer, I was able to rebuild my life and regain a sense of hope. Her influence taught me the power of perseverance and the importance of finding joy in the things we love, even in the face of loss. The passing of my aunt from Colombia was a profound loss that plunged me into deep grief and depression. However, her unique role in my life, particularly through her soccer advice, provided a source of strength and inspiration. By seeking support, embracing self-care, and honoring her memory through soccer, I navigated my way through the darkness and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. I now play every soccer game in remembrance of my aunt. Her legacy of wisdom and encouragement continues to guide me, reminding me that even in the face of profound loss, we can find healing and hope.