Aaryan Samanta '28 Recruiting Profile

Track and field is more than just a sport to me. It has been a set of challenges that have forced me to grow from resilience. Initially, my only goal was to be the fastest and win all my races because I wanted to make everybody think I was “cool.” However, with time, I realized that true progress was about the hard work you put in, not status. Last year, I faced a difficult moment when I suffered from a challenging injury, forcing me to consider quitting. Although I had considered this, especially with the pain, I wanted to use my new mindset to navigate my recovery. I maintained a consistent routine of going to the gym, eating well, and following the doctor's treatment plan. Some days were better than others, although a lot of them were bad. It wasn’t just a matter of physical resilience, rather, it was about mental fortitude and having belief in myself. At the end of the season when I fully recovered, I was able to break my school’s 100m, 400m, and 4x1 relay record at the county finals.

Breaking my school records stood for more than just speed and strength. It was a symbol of the lessons I had learned about hard work, discipline, and resilience. These lessons also apply to my research endeavors. This resilience will enable me to take full advantage of the resources COSMOS provides to redefine my ability to engage in scientific inquiry and promote an identity as an aspiring scientist. Whether it’s analyzing complex data or creating advanced biological models, I’ll apply the same persistence I applied during my recovery. Even if I don’t see the results I want immediately, my ability to stay disciplined will allow me to work through obstacles and remain committed.