- 2017 Highlights
Personal Statement
Running cross-country and track has taught me many important skills that I use not only on the track, but in my everyday life. Over the past 6 years, they have allowed me to experience countless defining moments that have helped to make me the person I am. I will remember these moments well beyond my high school years.
One important skill running has taught me is determination. When I was in 7th grade, the girls’ cross country team qualified for the Middle School State Championship meet. Towards the end of the season, I had been feeling pain in my right shin. I visited the doctor who diagnosed it as shin splints, but told me I was okay to run in the championship meet. After warming up on the day of States, I was in extreme pain, but decided to run anyway. I hobbled my way across the finish line in 200th place out of 202 runners. When I got home, I went to an orthopedic doctor who confirmed that I did not have shin splints, but a stress fracture in my right tibia instead. Whenever I think back to that day, I feel proud that I had the determination to finish the race even though my leg was broken.
Now that I am a senior, I have been a part of so many other amazing moments with my team. When I was a sophomore, my team made school history by being the first cross-country team to qualify and compete in the State Championship meet. As a junior, I was runner-up in the district cross country meet, and was district champion in the 1600, which is the achievement that has made me feel most accomplished. I have also been honored with the position of team captain four times. I believe that the leadership skills being a captain has taught me, along with the dedication, determination, and work ethic running has taught me, have prepared me well to compete at the next level because I know that I will bring these traits with me to my next team.
