Personal Statement
Writing about myself is hard for me. I was taught by my parents to be humble and forgiving. I was taught to have empathy and love. They did not teach me to brag and boast. So I will do my best. I started playing football at the age of 5. I was coached by my dad and I love the game as much as he does. I am the youngest son, to an all boy family of four. Every brother before me as well as myself played football, basketball, baseball and lacrosse. We were a sports family and my parents were proud. They ran all over to volunteer where they could, gave us all the time and guidance a young man could ask for to be the best each one of us could be. I have always known I am very blessed and grateful.
My parents moved us to Florida 5 years ago, my 8th grade year. I lost my friends, my school and my teachers. We left the only home my dad had known for 42 years. We moved to Florida for my grandparents who migrated 15 years ago. They were aging and they needed our family's help. Due to my grandmother’s health they couldn’t move back up north, so it was time for us to come south. My parents discussed it with all of us since I have brothers 28, 26, 22, they could have stayed north but my mother would not leave without all of her boys so as a family we made the trek and relocated. At first it was hard. I started at the beginning of a school year at a public charter school with high standards and uniforms. I was used to high standards but the uniforms took a minute to get used to.
I went on to meet great friends. I have about 5 different friend groups. They all don’t hang out together, but I am the common denominator to a lot of their friendships. Because I see no skin color or religion and I respect just being human, my peers voted me homecoming king this year, my senior year. I told my parents that I was going to make this an epic year and I am doing just that.
Our football team went 11-1. We were undefeated during the regular season and lost in the Regional Finals. I went to work on the field and gave it everything I had, everyday. Last season I started off at Defensive End and was asked to move to Defensive Tackle when a few players went down with injuries. I was also asked to play Offensive Guard during a few games. The hard work paid off on the field and off the field. I was named All-District Player, was invited to the Blue/Grey All-American Bowl on Jan 31st at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay Florida and will be at the Orange Bowl Combine in Miami Gardens Florida on Feb 12th. I am 13 years into football and I love it today as much as I did at 5. Honestly, I think I love it more because I understand and respect it more. I have never received one personal foul or unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. My team has never lost one yard due to my mouth or my attitude. I believe and love the integrity of the game. I get mad just like anyone else, but I am my fathers son and he taught us to take it to the next play and shut them down. Action speaks louder than words, so that’s what I did, every game and every play. I take pride in myself to be mentally and physically ready to play any position asked of me and take on any obstacle life has to throw. Again, integrity is everything.
This same perseverance and positive attitude can be seen off the field as well. I am an excellent Family person, friend and student. I have a 3.3 GPA, I attend every sporting event I can to cheer on my fellow classmates, I have done over 200 volunteer hours and have gone on mission trips to feed the homeless and build for them where they needed assistance. I believe in giving back. Again, I am blessed. I don’t know what it's like to want anything. My parents have sacrificed a lot to get us all where we are today.
I would love to play football in college and hopefully God willing, play for the NFL. For now though, college comes first and a strong education and then we will see what the future holds.
Thank you for taking the time to read about me. I hope you feel the same way I do. That I will be a great fit for your school and team.
Sincerely
Jack Wendrickx
