Personal Statement
My name is Joost Plaetinck and I am a junior from Novi, Michigan. I attend Novi High School and I have just finished my 3rd year of varsity cross country, running a 15:39.5 5k at the MHSAA state finals (Michigan International Speedway) and placing 13th overall in Division 1. As Winter progresses, I am preparing for my 3rd outdoor track season in the Spring, where my specialty is the 3200m, in which I have a personal record of 9:18:56. For the upcoming track season, I am striving to improve my speed for shorter distance events, like the 800m and 1600m, where my goals are sub 2:00 and sub 4:20, while still performing at a high level in the 3200m, where my goal is sub 9:15. I am looking for an institution that excels in computer engineering/science and has a competitive athletic environment, in that of cross country and track, that allows me to pursue and succeed in my career. I am open to attending large or small schools, just as well as I am open to expanding my search to out of state schools. I aspire to work hard in my last year and a half of high school and to always give 110% in both athletics and academics. My competitive spirit and motivation are what drive me to succeed at any challenge or goal that I face, and right now, my goal is to pursue what I am passionate about; running and working with technology.