Personal Statement
When I first ran the timed mile in elementary school, I knew I had natural endurance. Growing up, I played basketball and soccer, sports requiring plenty of running. However, It wasn't until my freshman year of high school that I started running competitively.
When I joined the cross country team in high school, I used it as a way to condition myself for soccer. It wasn't long until I fell in love with the sport. My natural aptitude for competition has propelled me to success in events ranging from the half-mile to the 5k. By being open-minded and embracing challenges in running, I am willing help my future teammates become the best they can be, as I have always pushed my limits and exceeded my own expectations.
In addition to running, I am in my school's vigorous HISP program, a four year program dedicated to the Humanities and International Studies, encouraging me to take honors and AP classes ranging from biology to literature and English composition. I am in our school's California Scholarship Federation Club, volunteering up to fifteen hours each semester.
Derek Lin