Personal Statement
My name is Ryan Atwood, and I am a Senior at Mcdonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland. Swimming has played a major role in my life ever since I was eight years old, and I want to continue competing at the collegiate level in order to continue the positive impact it has had on me. During my four years on Varsity for our high school swim team and eight years of year round- club swimming, swimming has taught me the importance of hard work. I like getting up at 5 A.M. and hopping into a cold pool in order to accomplish my goals. Swimming has also taught me about failure, mindset, and success. When I got ready for my State meet in 2018 I wanted to achieve futures in my 100 yard butterfly, but I let my perceptions and thoughts control me and I started doubting myself, and I let negative thoughts overtake me. In the end I failed and did not get my cut that I worked hard all year for.
My biggest highlights of 2019 have been winning the MIAA championship for the second year in a row, finally achieving a Futures cut in the 100 yard butterfly, and getting 100% best times, in eight events, at the 15& Over Maryland State Championships, where I placed 7th in the 200 yard butterfly and 9th in the 100 butterfly. Moving forward I hope to accomplish my dream goals of getting Winter Nationals in 100 and 200 meter/yard butterfly events.
In addition to swimming, I would like to finish high school with a 3.5 GPA. I am looking for a school that will provide me with a balanced academic schedule that will allow me to try other activities such as film or art, so that I can expand my horizons and creativity and become a more confident person. I am open to any schools that will provide me with these great opportunities.