Personal Statement
My true athletic passion is soccer. I would like to share a brief picture of my life story, community involvement, and my athletic abilities.
My brother and I were born in the Kirovsky City District of the Kamyzyaksky Region of Astrakhan, Russia. My parents adopted my brother (age 4) and I (age 6) and we were brought back to Nashville, Tennessee, USA via a stop in Moscow, Russia. We were both welcoming of a new life away from poverty and sadness. We both had health challenges that resulted in surgeries, antibiotics, medical treatment, and language barriers early on. After the first 6 months in the US, we were thriving medically, educationally, behaviorally, emotionally, linguistically and spiritually. Our rapid adjustment and integration into new lives demonstrated our ability to adapt, be resilient, and overcome adversity.
I truly enjoy demonstrating compassion in my community through a variety of different opportunities that both nurture and provide leadership. My Christian upbringing and educational career have afforded me the ability to grow my character in an amazingly positive way! I have participated in over 50 hours of community service each year for the last 3 years. I have participated in three (3) Appalachian Outreach mission trip events in Eastern Kentucky (community serve activities to support both housing construction and rehab needs but also spiritual uplift), Choir trip to Rome, Italy, a medical and construction mission trip to the Dominican Republic, an inner city and homeless group mission trip to Houston, TX post Hurricane Harvey, and serving breakfast and sharing fellowship with the homeless 1-2 per month in Nashville. I truly enjoy giving back and have repeatedly shared with my parents that these experiences have nudged me outside of my comfort zone but at the same time offered enormous joy and improved sense of self.
I have been given the gifts to excel as an athlete in a variety of sports including gymnastics, cross country, basketball, soccer, school fitness and even golf. I attempt to lead by example demonstrating how hard work and giving it your all can truly translate into results. I make every effort to lift up those around me always encouraging, always engaging, always focused on the shared goal of team success. Playing a leadership role I am looked up to by my peers and many emulate my behavior. My dad has said "Watching him on the soccer field is a joy with his innate abilities, knowledge of positioning, tactics, and spacing as well his unselfish behavior". My leadership and athletic skills have been recognized as I was awarded the 2017 Madison Academy athlete of the year award among a field of very talented student athletes.
Collegiate goals include honing the skills to:
- Become a successful professional in the field of choice,
- Balance academic, athletic, spiritual, and social priorities
- Advance soccer skills and contribute to team success
- Develop meaningful relationships
