For me, being a student athlete in an experience I wouldn't trade for anything. Participating in sports and interacting with the people that come along for the ride have shaped me into the person I am today, and has set me up for success in the rest of my life. Any student athlete recognizes how sport has taught them dedication, consistency, and teamwork. From travel to early morning practice to debates with coaches and parents, the experiences of being a student athlete have taught me many things. The most important of these lessons, however, has been humility. My very first experience as a student athlete taught me humility quickly. Growing up in a small town, I was able to be a good player on my local youth team. Midway through playing my sixth grade year, the local highschool asked if I wanted to join their team for the remainder of the fall season. I had been a ballboy for them for years and now had my big chance. I convinced myself I would seize it. Over the next two months, I went from confident in my skills to wondering if soccer was the sport for me. I spoke to my dad about my struggle and how I was devastated at how poorly I performed. There, I learnt about humility. Since that experience, I've recognized there's always a bigger fish in the sea. Ive been able to transfer the experience as an athlete to other aspects of my life, like work and school. I know now that there will always be someone who is smarter, faster, or more clever than you. Instead of taking not being the best at something as a setback, I now take it as an opportunity to learn. While participating in organized sports from a young age and being a student athlete has taught me many lessons, it's also given me many opportunities. Being an athlete has given me a fit body, and allowed me to pick up passions like hiking and skiing. I’m extremely grateful to have the physical ability to do activities like this, and explore the natural world we are blessed with. It's also given me the ability to do volunteer work that helps my community, and gives back to people under less fortunate circumstances. I recognize that the ability to walk or do strenuous activity is not something that everyone is blessed with, and I am grateful everyday for my health as a result of being an athlete. Being able to learn lessons and pick up other activities has been a huge part of the priceless experience that is being a student athlete, and it's something I want others to have the opportunity to experience. I’ve been able to accomplish this with being a soccer coach in the summers, and I hope to continue coaching after college. I want to build a community for kids who might not have it, and provide the opportunity for everyone to be a student athlete at some point in their life, and experience the joys, lessons, and wonders that come with sports.