Personal Statement
“Physical strength brings you to the starting line, while mental strength will get you to the finish line.” Although I am uncertain what transpired in the life of the famous emperor, Marcus Aurelius, which caused him to speak such words of wisdom, I am grateful. Equating mental strength to the finish line is what inspires me daily. Personally, it applies to both of the sport of swimming as well as academics.
Junior Nationals, 2017 was a pivotal meet in my seemingly short swimming career. Numerous obstacles threatened to hinder my success. One of which, was a phone call regarding the hospitalization of my father. Refusing to allow such obstacles to derail my efforts, I refocused, readjusted and instead, ended the meet by achieving all personal bests. Although happy with the outcome of my swims, they pale in comparison to the lesson I gleaned in mental strength that weekend. As mentioned, it was pivotal. Maintaining the momentum from my experience at Junior Nationals, I turned my focus to Pro-Ams the following week in Oklahoma and fought hard against the collegiate and professional athletes. Here, brute strength and physical talent were insufficient. Focused concentration and mental strength coupled with determination landed me, a junior high school, a spot on the podium for top three.
I feel that these experiences, among many others, have developed and strengthened me to be successful in a sport which is exceptionally difficult mentally. Mental strength allows me to remain positive at practices and meets. It has given me the capacity to be supportive, caring and tough. It has developed in me, a sense of relentless determination regardless of the circumstances. Ultimately, it has molded me into a well-rounded teammate and competitor.
Although working hard in the pool is very important, I understand how the character developed in athletic training transfers to academics. Many students unassociated with competitive sports do not benefit from the character development which is required to achieve a long-term goal. Daily assignments, quarterly tests and finals exams like daily practices, meets and championships. Ultimately, both require dedication, determination and drive. Thanks to swimming, I understand.
Throughout my years of swimming, I have learned many things which develop character. I have learned the true meaning of sportsmanship, how teamwork operates in an individual sport, and what it means to be humble. I have definitely learned how dedication demands mastery in time management. For the entirety of my swimming career, driving nearly an hour one way every day to practice provides me ample opportunity to exercise dedication. Swimming has also taught me the true meaning of leadership. I am grateful for the experience of both having team leadership, and of being called into team leadership. The benefit of experiencing both sides of a leadership role on my team has helped me discover the importance of comprehending the essence of a good leader. Humility and the ability to inspire are what constitute a true leader. Not the title of a team captain
Identifying with the words of a Marcus Aurelius, “physical strength brings you to the starting line while mental strength will get you to the finish line” I humbly and sincerely believe that I have the physical and mental strength to successfully perform on a collegiate level. If you are considering having me on your team, know that I would bring dedication, sportsmanship and discipline to your program for these are the qualities which define my character.