- 2015 Highlights
Personal Statement
I come from a long line of very hard workers and a strong work ethic is something that has been ingrained in me from the time I was born. I have grown up, as my mother did, in a very economically depressed and geographically isolated community. Going to college was never a discussion in my house--the questions are, "Where?" and, "How will you get there?". I have a strong admiration for my family's 'high achiever' orientation toward life, because they show me what kind of doors hard work can open for me. I pretty much approach everything this way, whether it's school, hobbies, or swimming - my favorite sport.
My mom always tells me that most people have to work for what they achieve--very few have enough natural talent to carry them to their goals. I have learned that I don't succeed alone and that many people--coaches, teachers, family, teammates, good friends--are there for me. In turn, it's important to me to be there for my teammates. My teammates and coaches will say that I am a quiet kind of leader that puts my head down and does the work. I have high expectations of myself, in the classroom and in the pool and can be my own worst critic.
My collegiate goals for swimming are: A) to find a team that will both push and support me; B) to develop strong relationships with my coaches; C) swim the times I know I'm capable of (make "nationals") and contribute to my team's success.
My academic interest is biomedical engineering. I've been fascinated by genetics for a long time and I have a lot of ideas about possible research projects. While not every college offers biomedical engineering, I know there are ways to get there. I could study biology and chemistry in my undergraduate and pursue engineering at a professional school or through a graduate degree. Either way, I am very excited for the next phase of my life.
