Personal Statement
I didn't plan to add to this personal statement as it was originally written from the heart. I planned to follow a traditional path and become the best I could be at Arkansas State. However, with much thought, discussion, prayer and sole searching I have decided to transfer and pursue my passion at another institution. It was important to me to leave Arkansas State on a good note, I had a lengthy discussion with my coach and outlined the reasons I wanted to leave. I wanted the opportunity to apply to and be admitted to a nursing school while playing volleyball at a high level. I would not have been able to reach both of those goals at Arkansas State. This decision has taught me many lessons but none more so than the need to follow my academic dream every bit as much as my athletic dream. I truly believe I can do both and be successful at both.
It seems like everything I have been working for comes down to this statement. All those long practices, training sessions, lessons, camps, tournaments, and matches have prepared me to reach out and grab my goal of playing collegiate volleyball. As I write this statement, I have to thank my parents, grandparents, my 3 brothers, coaches, trainers, friends and teammates for supporting me through this process. They have all taught me that it is ok to DREAM BIG and that chasing that dream is full of life lessons.
Understanding goals has been a process for me. I vividly remember my early coaches having us write down our goals. I would always respond with short term goals related to winning a big match or winning an out-of-town tournament. I really believed goals were meant for what was happening today, next week or this season. My parents helped me understand that goals don't have to be short term, in fact, goals can become a mind set for what molds your future. I began to realize that if I set my goals very high, the work required to reach that goal was constant and helped take care of all the short term goals. My ultimate goal is to become an All-American college setter, who is a leader both on and off the court that is also in a position academically to choose a career path that allows me to follow my professional passion. I certainly realize there will be bumps in the road to this goal. How I handle those bumps will ultimately define me as a person.
My life aspiration is to be a good person with the ability to make a living doing something I am passionate about. I want to make a difference. I want to be a leader. I believe college volleyball, through its inherent structure, provides me with the tools to be that person.
