Yordanos Zelinski '22 Recruiting Profile

My collegiate goals, are to take running to the highest level possible, hopefully at a D1 or D11 school, that has a strong running program, where I will be challenged.  I look forward to pushing myself, encouraging others, set records, be a team player, and a great representative of the team and school. I will work hard, both on and off the track.

I was adopted from Ethiopia at the age of 11, I lived at the orphanage longer than any other child.  I knew only a few words of English when I arrived, and worked extremely hard to learn a new language,  do well at school, adapt to a new country and way of life, and excel at sports.  I travel to Ethiopia when I can, and give back to help others there.  I keep in touch with family in Ethiopia, and friends from my orphanage and town I grew up in.   I also keep in touch with friends from my orphanage, that were adopted to the states before me. It is so much fun when we get together, to talk about those memories and fun times, as well as the harder aspects of our lives there.  

Academics does not come as easily, as it does to others who grew up in the US, but I work hard at it.  I am not afraid to ask for help when needed, and that has made a big difference. I have overcome a lot of hardships in my life, it has made me stronger, and the person I am today. I feel it has all happened for a reason.   I am tenacious, and never take for granted the opportunities I now have.  

To have a Mom, Dad, siblings, nieces, nephews, my own home, I never thought I'd have those things.  I remember when I first arrived being so thankful for my own bed, I sat on it and thought, I no longer have to share my bed or bedroom, it is all mine.   I am still thankful for that. 

My dream for many years has been to be offered an athletic scholarship.  I promise I will work as hard, if not harder than most.  I love to exceed my goals, and make new ones.  As hard as training is, I enjoy it, I am very self- motivated, and push myself, I don't rely on others to do that for me. 

 I was the last person adopted from the Orphanage, before Ethiopia closed international adoptions.  I have often wondered why me, but I think I am here to make a difference, to inspire others to overcome obstacles and hardships, and to be thankful for what they have.  My past does not define me, but it has made me stronger, in many ways.  I hope to be given the chance to run and compete at an amazing school, with a great running program.