When growing up, a child feels like they can conquer the entire world. However, as they start to grow up, they start listening to the world around them, telling them they won't be good enough. If you are lucky, you will find a couple of amazing people that support you and encourage you to reach your dreams. For some, it might be their parents, a coach, or a family friend, but personally, mine is my agricultural educator. As an incoming freshman, going into high school seemed overwhelming. Luckily, each freshman class goes to school one day early to find their way around the school. Students get their schedules and participate in a school-wide scavenger hunt. Each teacher had a clue, and once you figure out all the riddles, you won. This scavenger hunt is when I met that one person who would be my inspiration, Mrs. Samson. I walked into the agricultural room, and that is when I heard the next question. As the teacher walked down the line, getting closer to me, she kept asking the same question. I tried to make up an acceptable excuse to not sound unprepared like the other students, but she was quickly getting closer. Then she stopped in front of me and asked the same question, "Why aren't you in an agriculture class?" Fumbling for an answer, I replied, "I plan on dropping Spanish to join Intro to Agriculture." I did not know it then, but that split-second decision was the best choice of my life. These past two years, I have created a relationship with Mrs. Samson that I have never felt before. Not only have I learned more about agriculture, but I have learned more about being a leader, taking the initiative to solve issues, and having a hard work ethic. Mrs. Samson is known for working 11 hour days. Not only that, but she has a set of crazy-rambunctious twin girls. Also, Mrs. Samson owns a family farm where they keep livestock, maintain crops, and use a welder for projects around the community. With everything going on in her life, Mrs. Samson has always been there for me whenever I ran into problems allowing me to look for solutions to issues in my community. When I encounter a hard day, Mrs. Samson's willingness to never cave under pressure gives me strength. In the future, I hope to reach out and support others. I want to create relationships that have a unique love that goes beyond what the world can understand. I can easily say that because of the relationship I have with Mrs. Samson, I want to have a job that gives me the ability to connect to people. I aspire to support others through their issues, and I will strive to help them conquer the dreams they have.

Malik Faisal, a prince of Saudi Arabia, said, “Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever.” In other words, the memories I have will last for my entire existence. Some have brought pain and suffering, while others still brighten my day when I recall them. Everyone has one memory that they can remember like it happened yesterday. Although many of my most cherished memories come from volleyball, one stands out above the rest. Looking back, history has proven that to see the future, one must go through the past. Today, my dreams of being a Men's Volleyball Olympian were beginning. My 11-year-old body felt numb and could not comprehend anything happening around me. I am in line to sign up for my first volleyball camp, but this was no ordinary volleyball camp. It was my first camp. As I sign my name onto the nametag, all I can think about is what will happen these next couple of hours. Suddenly, I feel myself floating toward the gymnasium, but when I look in, those thoughts disappear. I look inside again, and I remain shocked. I was the only guy, and looking at my mom, I asked her if she was positive this camp was for guys. She told me that she was 100% sure that this camp was for guys and that I needed to stop worrying. As I put on my kneepads and volleyball shoes, I ask my mom a couple more times, but she disregarded my questions by telling me to find someone to warm up with. I look around the gym, and I have no clue where to start, so my mom told me to start by saying "hi." After a lot of debating, I walk up to a couple of girls on the far side of the gym. When I asked to warm up with them, they looked at each other, whispered, and after a moment or two, told me that I could. After warming up, my nerves started to go down, and the rest of the camp went by too quickly. Little did I know that those two girls would become my closest friends and push me further than anyone else to reach my goals. Since that day, my love for volleyball has been immense and continues to grow. As a twelve-year-old, I made it onto my first 18u team. Two years ago, I started playing sand doubles volleyball on a co-ed and boys team. Also, I have been playing on a 16u club team while being a co-captain. I strive to find new opportunities for myself as well as those around me. Within the past few years, I found the Iowa High-Performance Team. In 2019, I was selected to represent Iowa's Boys Select Team at the National High-Performance Tournament. I have been my school's volleyball manager for the past three years, since eighth grade. Allowing me to help others improve their game while also learning more about mine. As a freshman, I became a line judge for home volleyball games which stirred a desire to become a certified referee. Getting certified would enable me to ref any home games for students one year younger than myself. In the future, I aspire to become a high school or college volleyball coach. After I retire, I hope to open my own Sports Complex and run my Volleyball club. I also will continue to play volleyball because it is a sport for all ages. Overall, volleyball has allowed me to become strong physically and mentally. Growing up in Iowa, it is very uncommon for a middle school or high school male student to be involved in volleyball. I also live in a small rural area where everyone focuses on football and wrestling. Since I do not participate in those activities, it has enabled my peers to label me easily. When I have rough days, it only brings me closer to volleyball because volleyball is my way of escape. The support from my volleyball community surrounds me. When I hit a volleyball, I am free. I own the world, and nothing can stop me. When I dive to dig the ball, only my imagination can stop me. My goal is to let others create memories like mine through a game that I love. I would not be the type of person I am now without volleyball because memories make us into who we are.