When I first started playing tennis in 7th grade, I did it because my parents told me it would be good for me. Now, as an 11th grader and Varsity 2nd seed on the team, I do it because I love the grind, the lessons, and the people. I love waking up Saturday mornings and going out to the courts, practicing with my friends and getting sweaty for the game. What really changed my mindset and attitude towards the game was seeing how much our coaches wanted us to succeed. They really supported us and believed in us, and whenever we lost they would always show us how to become better and to keep trying. Without the support from my faithful coaches and teammates, I never would have made it this far. They all showed me I must be resilient on the court, and off the court. From hours on the ball machine to sitting in the lobby and watching film and discussing Roger Federer's killer forehand, I've learned to stay resilient. Even when you're down 0-5, or when shots don't land, or even when you get tennis elbow, you should never give up. It pays to be resilient. This attitude of never giving up that I have learned from playing tennis has translated into all other aspects of my life, especially in academics. When studying for hard AP tests in school, I don't cram like most of my peers do. Instead, I put in a little work every day, just like how in tennis you must practice consistently. I have learned you cannot cram for a test the day before, just like how you can't cram for a tennis match the day before. You also cannot slack off. In tennis, if I stop playing for a week and go into a match, my reaction time is slow, my aim is off, and I get out of breath quicker. My performance is not the best that it can be. This is a parallel to studying. If you take a huge break and don't prepare for a presentation, when you get up to present you won't have your A-game. Knowing these things, and knowing that in order to succeed I must be resilient, it's shaped the way I see the world and how I plan to tackle it. I've got to take it step by step. First, I've got to get the basics down, my form right. After I get the form of the shot down, I've got to practice. I must practice really hard, with repetition and focus. And once all that is done (but really it's never done, you have to keep practicing these steps), I need to eat well, sleep well, and think well for the match ahead of me. And when I get to that match, I may not be ready. Just like when I face life after high school, I may not be fully ready. I may make some mistakes. But with a strong foundation, with the basics down, with hard work and perseverance, with friends and family supporting me the whole way through, and with the lessons I've learned, I will push through. I'll push through even if the score is 0-2, or 0-4, or even 0-5. When life shoots me down and hits a shot I can't quite handle, I'll get right back up and play with all my might.

"Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?" Galinda's question was in the front of my mind all while I watched the beautiful show Wicked for the first time, captivated. Her question rang through my head as I saw Elphaba defend her sister, defend the cowardly lion, defend Galinda, defend Fiyero, and defend flying monkeys. It rang through my head as I watched Elphaba get pushed away and assigned the villain card, every single time. It rang through my head as I stood for the standing ovation, tears streaming down my face at a pure work of art. Who knew a musical could be so impactful? I watched Wicked 4 times after that. And every single time, it felt like I was home, the music transporting me to a different world. I think it's because I saw myself in Elphaba, and I truly believe that everyone can see a little bit of themselves in her, too. Elphaba's wit, courage, defiance and power give her an identity that was so much more than the green color of her skin, though many in the show failed to recognize it. Even though Wicked is "just a musical," it is so much more than that to me. Every time I listen to Defying Gravity, I close my eyes and am transported back into the theater the first time I saw Elphaba shoot up into the sky, and belt with such power and glory that everyone in the theater had no choice but to cheer. Elphaba's life as a powerful woman has inspired me to keep going, even when others attempt to "bring me down." Her loyalty and unconditional love for Glinda pushes me to be a better friend, and change others "For Good." Her passion for helping others, even if they are monkeys, gives a good reason for me to self reflect and see whether I am serving others with as much drive as her. As magical and fun as the show is, we must take it with a grain of salt, knowing that the lessons taught in it are real and important. And that's why I'm such a fan of the musical Wicked. It skillfully balances the fantasies of the stage with the truths of reality. It takes me to a place of happiness, while also grounding me and making me reflect on myself and who I am as a person. This is an extremely hard thing to do, and for that, I will forever and always be a Wicked lover.