![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/1626728642579.webp)
Gender
Female
Ethnicity
Hispanic/Latino
Hobbies and interests
Soccer
Cooking
Weightlifting
Travel And Tourism
Forensics
Reading
Art
Law
Foreign Languages
Reading
Adult Fiction
Cultural
Humor
Romance
Mystery
I read books multiple times per month
US CITIZENSHIP
US Citizen
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Ximena Morales
3,035
Bold Points1x
Finalist![user profile avatar](https://static.bold.org/profilePictures/1626728642579.webp)
Ximena Morales
3,035
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
Hi everyone, my name is Ximena Morales! I am a third-year college student pursuing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.
At a young age, I discovered that my purpose in life is to help others. I want to do it through the criminal justice system. I have witnessed and experienced injustices with my family and in my community, therefore I would like to provide better representation for them and their rights/values.
My strengths in learning and achieving will help me pursue my dreams and aspirations. As a learner, I feel passionate about gaining knowledge and skills. It motivates me to push outside my boundaries to overcome the challenges of not understanding the subject or performing proficiently in a skill. As an achiever, I feel driven to work hard to meet my goals. It allows me to feel content with my progress and persevere through my failures.
Education
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
- Criminology
Minors:
- Psychology, General
Bryan High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
Test scores:
24
ACT1110
PSAT
Career
Dream career field:
Forensic Science
Dream career goals:
Crime Scene Investigator or FBI Agent
Member and Guest Services Associate
Salvation Army Omaha Kroc Center2023 – Present1 yearLifeguard
City of Omaha Parks and Recreation2023 – 2023Bounce House Operator
Diversiones Morros2014 – 20206 years
Sports
Soccer
Intramural2022 – Present2 years
Awards
- Vice President
Soccer
Club2020 – Present4 years
Awards
- Cornhusker Classic Finalist (2020)
- Presidents Cup Finalist (2020)
- Bellevue Fall Kick-Off Finalist (2021)
- NE State Cup Finalist (2021)
Soccer
Varsity2018 – Present6 years
Awards
- Team Captain (2019-PRESENT)
- 2022 Marty Anderson Player of the Year
Research
Law
Omaha Bryan High School — For about two weeks, my research based on jeopardized cases, specifically on the Ingraham V. Wright case in 1977. Based on my research, I wrote an essay that summarized the case and explained why I disagreed with the result of the case.2018 – 2019Chemistry
Metropolitan Science and Engineer Fair — For two weeks, I conducted an experience for my middle school fair, which earned me a spot to compete in the Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair2017 – 2018
Public services
Volunteering
Omaha South High School Baseball Team — Student - Tortilla Maker2021 – 2021Volunteering
AIM TRIO Upward Bound — Make care packages and blankets for the homeless, and create thank you cards for first responders and veterans2020 – 2020
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Next Young Leaders Program Scholarship
"The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority," Ken Blanchard
I have experienced the difference between an influential leader and an authoritarian leader throughout my high school soccer career. Before my freshman high school soccer season, the upperclassmen felt there needed to be a change in our soccer program. They were frustrated as their past seasons included an authoritarian style of coaching. Although the head coach had assured the team in the past that there would be solutions to their demands; it never occured. In the fall of 2019, when I was a sophomore, we took our concerns to the next level.
During the first week of school, a few players and I met with the high school athletic director to explain our concerns and advocate for a new head coach. We expressed the emotional and mental damage he caused to the program with his authoritarian style. This included dictating policies and procedures to us while not listening to or acting on our problems, suggestions, or opinions throughout the season. I took on a leadership role as I wrote multiple letters highlighting his player favoritism, which resulted in multiple disputes between players. I felt proud of how we professionally discussed our concerns with the athletic director. I did not realize that I was beginning to build the skills I needed to become an influential leader.
A month later, I received the news of the removal of the head coach. Playing a sport that I passionately love with a selfish, unmotivated style of coaching, emotionally drained me. It is a feeling that I never want to go through again; it is something I think of often.
Our new head coach, Coach Townsend, positively impacted our soccer program through a more influential leadership style of coaching. He showed us the importance of listening first, collaboration, and gathering feedback. Taking these extra steps prior to making policies or decisions helped us feel like we were a team and a part of the process. This was a new feeling to all of us as we had never felt that before.
Throughout my three years as team captain, I learned from my experience with an authoritarian style leader who did not listen, but merely dictated his demands. I remembered the frustration I felt and it helped me avoid those mistakes. Taking on an influential leader role requires communicating with the team and the coaches to express their suggestions, problems, and opinions to each other. I regularly support others on the team, build unity, and support coaches in making difficult decisions.
Ken Blanchard’s quote, “The key to successful leadership is influence, not authority,” reflects on my experiences throughout my high school soccer seasons. Coach Townsend showed me that successful leadership does not rely on authority, but the way one builds trust and respect in relationships. Leading with influence prioritizes players becoming successful and not for the coach to win. Leading with influence is not selfish or individualistic, and that is the leader I strive to be.