Personal Statement
From a young age, I had struggled to interact with other people. Basketball became the mechanism through which I made friends and turned my lack of social skills around. It gave me a way to relieve stress and have fun, especially when I was having a hard day. Basketball grew to be far more than just a sport to me, it has become the reason I get up in the morning. I value academics, but athletics is my passion.
In middle school, I played power forward and center. Yet, from eighth grade onward, I transitioned to point guard and shooting guard. It was tough at first. I was always good at handling the ball, but I didn’t quite have a great outside jumpshot. Over time, however, I improved tremendously and my passing skills have grown. I take pride in my defense because while points in the game will always come, defense is about the hustle and determination. Some people overlook the defense and concentrate on offense, but defense is an important part of the game and the key to winning.
As a four sport athlete I am proud of my accomplishments, but basketball honors mean the most to me. I am a Varsity Basketball 3-Year Letter Winner, and a Junior Varsity All-Conference Award Winner. From 2012 – 2016, I played for the Staten Island Finest Travel Basketball Club. I have also lettered in baseball, soccer, and track. Off the court, I enjoy volunteer work and extracurricular activities. From preparing position papers for Model UN, to performing with the Staten Island Academy Players and Something Musical Acapella group, to participating in the Wounded Warrior Project Club, I believe education can happen everywhere, and appreciate every experience.
