- 2016 Highlights
Personal Statement
My name is Michael Ardito. I have been swimming since I was 9 years old when I joined my local YMCA team. I have been a contributing member on my varsity swim team since the 8th grade. Swimming has provided me both challenges and opportunities. It has given me a chance to learn first hand that the best results come from hard work. It has helped me develop my leadership skills. In addition to swimming on my varsity and club swim teams, I am an assistant coach on a pre-competitive swim team, teach younger kids in a learn-to-swim program and lifeguard.
I pride myself on being a very coachable swimmer. I am able to analyze my performance and look for constructive feedback from my coaches and peers. Hard work and dedication are key. Leading by example is a role that's important to me, as is supporting my teammates who often look to me for advice.
My commitment to excel has paid off. During the past two years I have significantly improved my times in all events. I have taken 30 seconds off my 500 Free, 15 seconds off my 100 Breast, and more than 10 seconds off my 200 IM. With direction from great coaches, talented team members, and consistent hard work, I look forward to success during my two remaining high school years.
Striving to be the best whether I am in or out of the pool is important to me. Academics matter. Extra curricular activities matter. I am particularly passionate about raising money and awareness for a hereditary disease called Hereditary Angiodemo (HAE). My step-father and younger sister suffer from his rare, painful and potentially life threatening disease. I have organized fund-raising events - twice swimming across Boston Harbor to directly raise more than $15,000. I have also spoken at doctor and patient awareness events and been interviewed by TV, radio and print media. This summer I have been asked to travel to Washington DC and speak with members of the US Congress on behalf of the HAE (www.haea.org) patient advocacy organization.
After graduation my goal is to attend a college or university, with a swim program, that matches my academic and athletic ability. In college, I look forward to continuing to be a contributing member of a team. Swimming and team participation are key elements in what drives me to be successful. I doubt if I would be who I am today without them.
In college I plan to study the sciences perhaps focusing on marine related subjects.
Thanks for reading my profile. I hope to hear from you.
