Maria Scopino '22 Recruiting Profile

Soccer was first introduced into my life at the age of 5 and ever since I have learnt about life with the ball at my feet. But at the same time that I was strongly committed to my soccer practises, I also wanted to be with my studies, as my parents had shown me their importance. However, studying and playing at the same time is not a habit accessible in Brazil - it was either one or the other. I was not willing to give up on either so I began my own project - to search and explore how I could use my sport to benefit my studies. Between what seemed to be endless profiling, research and trials, I eventually stumbled upon something out of the blue. Before I knew it, I was flying across half the world, riding on a scholarship to both play and study at an international school. However, with every opportunity comes a great deal of responsibility and struggle.

My experience in Thailand was filled with ups and downs. Initially, I faced conflicts with regards to my communication: I was not able, at first, to express myself, to meet new people and to understand the classes as I am not an English first-language speaker. I had never struggled with my academics before, so an IB Diploma stirred up a sense of stress and anxiety for the very first time in my life. In addition, I was unfamiliar with the culture, the food, as well as the environment and to make matters worse being alone on the other side of the globe didn't make things much easier either. Honestly, the highlight of my day used to be my training sessions. But eventually, my off-the-field problems started to trespass my athletic performance. So I went back to square one and rethought how these experiences could have impact on my life.

 When I was a child, I remember I would often disappear under the supervision of my parents, only to find a more interesting place. It wasn't rebellious behaviour. It was just a way I used to express my curiosity and find something on my own. This child still lives inside of me to this very day. Whenever I face a difficult circumstance, that curiosity in my younger self is kindled. When I am confronted with a difficult situation, my younger self's curiosity returns. That curiosity never fails to think of endless solutions to puzzling problems, seeks out a multitude of possibilities in the face of the impossible, and ultimately, I crave to learn more, so it can transport me to new worlds where I can become lost, re-discover myself, and fulfill my burning desire to make a difference in the world.