Tell Us about yourself

Ever since I can remember, sports have always been a part of my life. Anytime I kicked a soccer ball, bounced a basketball, or swung a bat I found happiness and joy. My introduction to sports and athletics changed me for the better. Some people have little regard for sports and athletics. They ignore how difficult it is to participate in sports activities, or what that sport may offer a person. Regardless of what anyone else thinks, being a student-athlete has made me the person I am today, a person that I am really proud of.

Being an athlete taught me about hard work and dedication. I’ve learned that to be good at what you do, you can't just sit around and expect things to always go your way. I was never blessed with physical gifts, but I did put in extra work to make the team and be the best player I could be. In order to be a starter at my school, you had to earn it. This is in fact my team’s motto “always earned, never given”.

Skills aren't something you just inherit. “Practice makes perfect” isn't just a phrase, it is reality. If I wanted to be the guy playing at a critical part of a close game, I had to prove that I was willing to work hard and be dedicated.Being a student-athlete has imparted valuable lessons about teamwork to me. I've grasped the significance of collaborating effectively with others. Whether I'm working on group projects in school or during job interviews, one of the fundamental questions often asked is about my ability to work harmoniously with others. In football and track, the principle of teamwork is ingrained in your daily routine. Each team member assumes a specific role, whether it involves catching the ball or sprinting a designated section of the track. As a team member, I've come to understand that I am part of something greater than myself. It extends beyond my individual needs. To achieve success, both personally and as a team, teamwork is essential for reaching a shared purpose or objective.

My experience as a student-athlete has also taught me the value of perseverance. There are instances when you put in extensive training and practice tirelessly, yet it may not yield the desired results. Despite putting in extra effort during practice, I found myself starting behind other players. This situation became so challenging for me that I contemplated quitting sports altogether due to the perceived unfairness. Fortunately, I managed to look beyond my limited playing time and chose to persevere. I didn't take these instances personally. Instead, they contributed to the development of my character. I've learned not to become disheartened by limited participation and to confront challenges as they arise. My parents often reminded me that luck favors those who are well-prepared.

Opportunities don’t always come when you expect them. Being a student-athlete also taught me balance. In my sports not only did I have to worry about practices or games, but I also had to complete school assignments. If I didn’t meet minimum grade levels, I wasn’t allowed to participate in sporting events. I had to be in good standing for academics and athletics.

Overall, being an athlete taught me how to be a person with character. Hard work, balance, perseverance, and teamwork are just a few of the characteristics that make me a man that I'm proud to be. Participating in sports while being a student takes knowledge, patience, and most of all, heart. Being a student-athlete taught me how to love something that makes me a better person.

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