I’ve lived with my dad since I was 13, and even though he played baseball in college, he pushed me to work hard and study first, then focus on sports. I attended three middle schools and two high schools due to situations outside of my control. The thing that I learned was that no matter what the circumstance, if I bore down and studied and treated everyone with respect, I could fit in and excel quickly.
Most teams I joined had been together for a while, yet I was able to establish myself as a player that the coaches wanted on the field. In soccer, I typically play the whole game. The coaches liked me because I never quit no matter the score, I know the game and can play more than one position and formation, and I help/mentor other players. This last part I learned from my dad and his friends. They do a lot of volunteer and coaching work and I have volunteered to help out. I’ve volunteered at Adaptive Training Foundation for the past year and a half. ATF was founded by a former NFL player, and focuses on disabled veterans and getting them back on their feet. This was a very rewarding experience and made me respect the privileges and opportunities I have.