Wrestling means a lot to me, It connects me to my roots, and as a female, I know that I am making history for my Iranian women today. Wrestling is an ancient sport and is very important to Persian history. My father was a very famous wrestler in Iran, however, he never shared anything about the sport with me. Instead, my nephew. He kicked me and my sisters out for our faith in Jesus but it is truly his loss. I turned to the sport of wrestling in my freshman year of high school. At the time there were only two more girls on the team but they weren’t even near my weight, so I was stuck with wrestling the boys. I would get beat up almost every day not just that but having to deal with the stench of their armpits killed me. I told the coach, "What’s the point of this if I’m always failing?" Coach looked at me and said, "The only way you're going to get better is by losing." At first, I thought he was crazy. "How will losing make me better?" After weeks and weeks of pain and suffering, it was time for our first tournament. I was finally put in a women's bracket. I had the mindset of a coward, I was ready to lose especially once I saw that I was put in the bracket with all seniors, and to make matters worse I glanced at the corner of the room and saw my nephew. I instantly got up and told my coach "I can’t do this." coach wasn't having it he said, "Oh you’re doing this." I then said, "I can't lose in front of my nephew, he will tell my Father that I’m a loser." Coach looked at me right in the eyes and said, "But what if you win, what will your dad think of you then?'' The coach was right, this is my chance to show my father what he missed. It was time. I’m face-to-face with a senior. My heart dropped. The whistle blew, and I hit a double leg instantly to a pin in under ten seconds. My arm was raised. I looked over to the bleachers and everybody cheered me on. I didn’t know how to feel about it. I went into the winning bracket and kept winning until my first-place match. This senior was the most intimidating, I thought to myself I’m dead. The whistle blows and we wrestle. This match was different. It took all of me. My energy left my body with each step I took, but my teammates kept me going. They yelled and shouted "Pin her pin her" and that’s what I did. I won. Unfortunately next season I transferred teams. This time I was the only woman on the team. I learned from freshman year if that’s what was going to make me stronger so be it. There weren’t any tournaments for us to due to covid that season was all about Live matches. It was tough at first but finally, I became stronger than the guys. I would dominate live matches daily. I learned that even if you are a woman, you can do anything if you don’t give up. Don’t tell yourself you're weak because of an age gap or your gender and don’t be afraid of losing because that’s what will make you stronger. Currently, I am proud to say that I am an Avila Eagle at Avila University. I'm thankful to be able to wrestle today and can't wait for where God leads me next.

Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Sara Soureshjani. I am currently enrolled at Avila University and will be a sophomore this upcoming semester. I grew up in a community where crime was common, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects it had on my family and neighbors. Living in a domestic household made my situation even worse. No person should ever have to live in this environment. This inspired me to pursue an education in criminal justice to make a change and a positive impact in my community in the law enforcement field. I am committed to using my skills to improve the safety and well-being of those around me, and I am happy to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship to help me achieve my goals. I am majoring in the criminal justice program, where I am gaining valuable skills in areas such as criminal law and crime prevention. I am excited for more to come. Not only did I learn the skills I need at school, but every summer I like to challenge myself. I have taken on new security jobs each summer where I have gained practical experience. So far, I have worked a summer as a Park Ranger at Worlds Of Fun, a theme park that is very popular in the Kansas City area. You would think that it would be safe, but we came across many problems. Luckily our well-trained security team always came up with solutions to keep the community protected with the help of the Kansas City Police Department by our side. Currently, This summer, I patrol a campus. With these recent job experiences, I've had I now know how to identify and respond to potential threats, how to use cameras and alarms, and how to communicate effectively. Additionally, I learned how to de-escalate conflicts, which is a valuable skill to have in any criminal justice setting. I not only equip myself with knowledge and mental skills, but I also train physical skills as a wrestler and a judoka. Without a doubt, I plan to use these abilities to protect the community with all the power I have, but the real question is how will I start will strengthen my community. Once I graduate plan to become a Sheriff at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. I had an Internship with the department during my senior year of high school and loved each minute of it. After I successfully prevent crime and build relationships for at least six years I will have enough experience to move onto a bigger level, a federal level such as the FBI. Here in Kansas, we call it the KBI. It has been a long-time dream of mine to fight crime at the highest level possible with that said I love my community and will put my own life at risk to protect them no matter if they hate me or not. Jesus once said “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me first” - John 15:18.

Growing up in a community where crime was common, I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects it had on my family and neighbors. Living in a domestic household made my situation even worse. No person should ever have to live in this environment. This inspired me to pursue an education in criminal justice to make a change and a positive impact in my community. I am committed to using my skills to improve the safety and well-being of those around me, and I am happy to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship to help me achieve my goals. I am currently enrolled at Avila University and will be a sophomore this upcoming semester. Furthermore, I am in the criminal justice program, where I am gaining valuable skills in areas such as criminal law and crime prevention. I am excited for more to come. Not only did I learn the skills I need at school, but every summer I like to challenge myself. I have taken on new security jobs each summer where I have gained practical experience. So far, I have worked a summer as a Park Ranger at Worlds Of Fun, a theme park that is very popular in the Kansas City area. You would think that it would be safe, but we came across many problems. Luckily our well-trained security team always came up with solutions to keep the community protected with the help of the Kansas City Police Department by our side. Currently, This summer, I patrol a campus. With these recent job experiences, I've had I now know how to identify and respond to potential threats, how to use cameras and alarms, and how to communicate effectively. Additionally, I learned how to de-escalate conflicts, which is a valuable skill to have in any criminal justice setting. I not only equip myself with knowledge and mental skills, but I also train physical skills as a wrestler and a judoka. Without a doubt, I plan to use these abilities to protect the community with all the power I have, but the real question is how will I start will strengthen my community. Once I graduate plan to become a Sheriff at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. I had an Internship with the department during my senior year of high school and loved each minute of it. After I successfully prevent crime and build relationships for at least six years I will have enough experience to move onto a bigger level, a federal level such as the FBI. Here in Kansas, we call it the KBI. It has been a long-time dream of mine to fight crime at the highest level possible with that said I love my community and will put my own life at risk to protect them no matter if they hate me or not. Jesus once said “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me first” - John 15:18.

Eating clean is very important due to many factors. I know fast food can be delicious but think about the time when you were finished with that meal. Did you feel good about yourself? I know I didn't. If you're like me you would understand it's not a good feeling. This is due to the large amount of sugar, fats, and sodium that is being consumed which leads to dehydration. As a wrestler, I was fortunate to learn the importance of practicing healthy food habits. Before I was an Athlete I was disgusted by my appearance and couldn't breathe well. What I saw as a meal was any fast food order with a side of hot chips not to mention soda. You could say I was obese. One day I decided the only way I could love myself is to change my eating habits. I decided to replace chips with a choice of whole grains. Then I decided to look at proteins. Research lead me to the realization of how important protein is in building up cells that help the development of muscles. Not only did I learn the importance of proteins and grains I was missing out on dairy, good fats, fruits, and vegetables. Once I gained my knowledge of the importance of food groups I was able to work out nonstop. When ripping and tearing each muscle group I was able to come back stronger because of my nutrition choices. Succeeding in my journey I saw rapid changes in my health and appearance. I lost about a hundred pounds and was able to increase a large amount of muscle mass. From my experience I suggest you do a calorie deficit. That is when you eat and drink less calories then you burn. Trust me that is the best way to get healthy. When I joined the sport of wrestling I became unstoppable thanks to eating clean. All that is great but the real question is why? Why is it important to eat healthily? Eating right is not just for looking your best but it's for your health. putting junk in your body leads to a high risk for example diabetes, heart problems, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and even Cancer. If you do your research all of these examples are why people die every day. Food isn't here for enjoyment it's here to keep you going think of your body as a car as you give it the wrong fuel you will perform horribly due to the lack of energy and mind connection. However, if you feed it with the right fuel then your engine is going to run miles after miles. If you don't change your habits one day your car will break down and will be expensive to repair. Don't wait to make a change before it's too late.

Eating healthy is very important due to many factors. I know fast food can be delicious but think about the time when you were finished with that meal. Did you feel good about yourself? I know I didn't. If you're like me you would understand it's not a good feeling. This is due to the large amount of sugar, fats, and sodium that is being consumed which leads to instant dehydration. Not only are you gaining weight you are hurting your immune system. As a wrestler, I was fortunate to learn the importance of practicing healthy food habits. Before I was an Athlete I was disgusted by my appearance and couldn't breathe well. What I saw as a meal was any fast food order with a side of hot chips not to mention soda. You could say I was obese. One day I decided the only way I could love myself is to change my eating habits. I decided to replace chips with a choice of whole grains. Then I decided to look at proteins. Research lead me to the realization of how important protein is in building up cells that help the development of muscles. Not only did I learn the importance of proteins and grains I was missing out on dairy, good fats, fruits, and vegetables. Once I gained my knowledge of the importance of food groups I was able to work out nonstop. When ripping and tearing each muscle group I was able to come back stronger because of my nutrition choices. Succeeding in my journey I saw rapid changes in my health and appearance. I lost about a hundred pounds and was able to increase a large amount of muscle mass. When I joined the sport of wrestling I became unstoppable thanks to eating healthy. All that is great but the real question is why? Why is it important to eat healthily? Eating healthy is not just for looking your best but it's for your health. putting junk in your body leads to a high risk for example diabetes, heart problems, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, and even Cancer. If you do your research all of these examples are why people die every day. Food isn't here for enjoyment it's here to keep you going think of your body as a car as you give it the wrong fuel you will perform horribly due to the lack of energy and mind connection. However, if you feed it with the right fuel then your engine is going to run miles after miles. If you don't change your habits one day your car will break down and will be expensive to repair. Don't wait to make a change before it's too late.

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sara Soureshjani. I am looking to serve my community. I have many goals, from being an elite wrestler to destinations like being on the S.W.A.T team; as unrealistic as it sounds, I know it is possible because I am a fighter. I will never give up on my goals because I am truthful to myself regardless of gender or ethnicity. I plan to impact my community by simply putting myself before others significantly. You may wonder why I, an Iranian-American woman, want to be in the field. Well, it's a long story, but I will make it brief. Ever since I was a kid, I used to say, " I want to be a cop. '' My parents would say no, you will become a doctor. But I've always known there was something in me that always wanted to protect and defend people. More and more, as I got older, I realized the man my Dad was. He was an abusive, manipulative criminal who was not a man but a coward to lay hands on my mother, which I was blind to until I was mature enough to realize. Growing up in a domestic household, many cops would come and go but would always leave with the victim. My mom's English was horrible then, so she couldn't defend herself. My Dad had always cut himself beforehand until authorities arrived, giving him the upper hand to use as evidence against her. One day, my sisters and I decided to speak up, not knowing he would go to jail, but my half-brothers bonded him out of jail in a heartbeat. For whatever reason, My father got hold of the exact words I've told the authorities and went right for my neck, choking my sisters and me simultaneously with one forearm due to the lack of control with anger. I'm not saying he was always bad, but he was getting worse yearly. Eventually, My parents split. I trained hard and got very strong to protect myself if needed. Luckily my Dad was more verbally abusive than physically towards my sisters and me; however, that is no way a parent should treat their kids. My Dad was mostly out, which gave me probable cause that Some things were up. I decided to investigate since my Dad was being specious. I found a criminal and witnessed criminal behavior. I knew I needed to leave. Not only was I at risk, but my faith was too. I was able to use the evidence against him in court during a custody battle. I'm grateful to God for he led the win of a custody battle for my mother. So who inspired me to choose a career in law enforcement? Easy. My Dad's criminal behavior inspired me to become the opposite of him. I want to make sure no domestic behavior flies over my shoulder. I want to protect and shift the face of law enforcement to create a safer diverse community with faith and Integrity.

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sara Soureshjani. I'm an Iranian-American looking to serve America. I have many goals from being an Olympic wrestler to goals like becoming a S.W.A.T Officer. No matter my gender I will always be up for any challenge that will help me evolve my skills to serve this country. I plan on going to college, for a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I do understand what I will be getting myself into as a take on a big challenge someday to join the Law Enforcement field. A lot of people will not accept my decision of becoming an officer due to everything going on in the news present and past. I may or may not lose friends but that will not step in my way of becoming an officer because I'm true to myself I know that I am a good person and that is why I strongly portray integrity every day. People will struggle to accept that we all bleed the same. Yes, there are officers that are bad but I will make sure they are held accountable for every wrongdoing. As officers retire we need more teenagers like me stepping up to the field to assure the safety of our future. If everybody was convinced all cops are bad then our future will no longer be protected due to a lack of interest in this field but we can prevent that as long as we promote community policing. Ultimately I want to help the community as much as possible and make a positive impact on the world.

Wrestling means a lot to me because as an Iranian American, it connects me to my culture, and as a female; I know that I’m making history for my Iranian women today. Wrestling plays a big role in our culture. My dad was a very famous wrestler in Iran however, he shared nothing about the sport with me. Instead, my nephew. I haven’t seen him since middle school due to custody changes. Freshman’s year I got into wrestling. I wanted my father know woman can do anything. At the time, there were only three ladies on the team: me, Erika, and Isabella, they weren’t near my weight, so I was stuck with wrestling the guys. We began, I would get beat up daily not just that but having to deal with the stench of their armpits killed me. I told the coach, what’s the point if I’m always failing. Coach told me the only way you're going to get better is by losing. So I kept fighting. After weeks of suffering, it was time for our first tournament. I was put in a women's bracket. I was ready to lose and after I saw that I was put in the bracket with seniors. Furthermore, I glanced over and saw my nephew. I felt even worse. I got up and told the coach I can’t do this. My coach said you’re doing this. I tried to explain to him that If get defeated in front of my nephew he will tell my Father that I’m a failure. My coach looked at me and said, but what if you win, what will your dad think of you then?'' The coach was right, this is my chance to show my father I am a Champion. It was time for my first match. I’m face to face with a senior. The whistle blew, and I hit a double leg instantly to a pin. My arm raised then I looked over to the bleachers and everybody cheered me on and I loved it. I moved into the winning bracket and kept fighting until my first place medal match. I was face to face with my last senior. The whistle blew and we began. This was different it all of me but the crowd kept me going. Time was up I did it I won. Everybody cheered, I took the gold with disbelief. As I walked I overheard people talking about me in the bleachers like she's a freshman now. Imagine how good she will be as years go on. And I will show them, I will be a champion. The year went on, and I can gladly say I placed in every tournament. Next year came along. My partner injured me during warm-ups. I ended up going to the hospital. No bones were broken, but muscles were pulled, which caused me to not finish the season. Junior year I moved to Shawnee Mission South. This time I was the only woman on the team, I learned from my first year if that’s what was going to make me stronger so be it. Sadly there weren’t any tournaments for me to place in due to Covid, however we did have duels. I noticed I became better even better than the guys. Instead of losing I would dominate live matches daily. Currently, I’m a senior, and wrestling is around the corner. A lesson I learned is don’t give up. Don’t tell yourself you're weak due to an age gap or gender, and don’t be afraid of losing because that’s what will make you stronger.