Personal Statement
Most student athletes will describe themselves as being determined, committed, and strong. While I embody these traits, they are not what sets me apart from the average athlete. As someone who has a well-rounded resume of good grades, countless clubs, two sports, and over a hundred volunteer hours, I am a classic "built for college" student. This makes me highly dependable, adaptable, and an overall safe bet. This does not, however, sound very exciting. What makes me distinctive is my true love for rowing. Since I have tried so many things, it has taken a while to find a place that I belong. No place has ever made me feel more at home than being on the water. I believe that I am a good candidate for a college rowing team because I am always striving to be better, thus I take criticism well. I joined NCSA over two years ago, at the height of my rowing career, and unfortunately had to give up on it when I was hit by a drunk driver. The resulting injuries forced me to quit rowing for over a year. I say this, not as a way to guilt prospective coaches with a carefully-crafted sob story, but to be completely honest. Because of this car crash, I am far behind what I want to be. However, this is a piece of what sets me apart from other athletes because it means that, while I am not the perfect athlete now, there is no one else hungrier than I am to prove myself. I am the first person to practice and the last one to leave. I am different from other recruits because I am to determined to be a little bit better every single day. I am fully committed because I love the sport, and I am strong because I have been beaten before and refuse to be so again.