12th Grade

I have played football since the 3rd grade. For many years I wasn't considered the most athletically gifted, however, around middle school I started weightlifting and putting a lot of work into myself. I gradually improved and spent all 4 years of high school playing on the varsity team. I even received the honor of team captain, voted by my peers and coaches.

In 7th grade I found wrestling as a socially anxious and relatively unathletic kid. Though the years following it would give me a way to see past myself and channel my effort into something I could be genuinely proud of. I ended my journey senior year becoming the first region champion from my school in the past 18 years and heart full of satisfaction for the hard work I put in.

My senior year I decided to branch out from my comfort zone and pick up a new sport, track and field. I had never run competitively before but since my sister chose to try it with me I gave it a go. Since then I couldn't be happier with my decision. My relay partners have become some of my best friends and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for me.

Due to Covid restrictions my freshman, sophomore, and junior year experience with national honor society is very limited. However, my senior year I was elected the President of the club and have had an amazing time organizing events such as a food drive, meal delivery, and toy drive. It has seriously sparked my passion for charity work and has lead me to look into the process of creating my own non-profit organization.

My senior year of high school a new teacher decided or organize a club called Dungeons and Dragons. I had known of the game though the internet but had never actually played it. It was something I was really passionate about trying but despite my best efforts none of my close friends would agree to join me. The game has a strong stigma that it is played by social outcasts and "weirdoes." So despite the social pressure to do what is expected, alone I went to try a game I knew relatively nothing about with people I had virtually nothing in common with. What I found was the most accepting, funny, and kind group of people I have ever. Every week I have a blast playing with them and despite our different backgrounds I feel entirely welcomed by them just the same.

The talented and gifted program has been a gateway to a more cultured and well rounded view of life. Everything from trips to a local theater to New York City, I contribute a lot of my beliefs and outlook on life is due to this program. At a glance it may seem like the program is only for field trips but exposing art and culture to children is essential to have them develop into well rounded, free thinking adults.