Elena Hincapie '20 Recruiting Profile

Sports have always been such an important part of my life. As a young girl, I struggled with reaching out of my comfort zone and trying new things. When I started to play soccer, I felt as if I was in another world. Everything about the sport brought out the best in me. Whether it is going head to head against a player or shooting on net, I always felt confident on the ball. These experiences then helped me in other aspects of my life like trying new things outside my comfort zone.

Besides sports, I have participated in the statewide Pennsylvania Youth and Government program (YAG). This is a program where students from across the state write bills on a specific topic, and then meet at the capitol building in Harrisburg to discuss and debate. If a bill goes through both the House of Representatives and the Senate, then it needs to be signed by our current student governor in order to become law. Last year, I was fortunate enough to go through the House but not through the Senate. I was also picked among all the delegates in the program to meet with our current House of Representatives to discuss my bill which was based on implementing more background checks onto taxi and other forms of transportation drivers. The student program was created to stimulate what currently happens in our own US government today.

In addition to YAG, I am also the 2020 Class President and the 2018-2019 ski club vice president. These clubs have helped me to learn the important qualities of leadership and problem solving. I strongly believe that leadership is important in my generation and for future generations in order to help us set the precedent on where we want our world to go. We have the power to change the world for the best.

Besides my academic achievements, I have had the opportunity to be a co-founder to a healthy lifestyle program for inner city Hispanics through sports and workshops. During this summer program, we have taught the participants to live a healthy lifestyle and how to team build through different sports and activities. Through these experiences, I have learned how important it is to rely on others around you in times of need-like my family.

My father, who was one of ten children, came to this country at the age of 16 from Medellin Colombia. He had to work hard for the basic necessities he needed, including working to pay his way through college. When he came to the United States, my grandparents were factory workers and earned less than minimum wage, so life was difficult for everyone. However, they overcame those challenges in order to create a better life for their family. As a result of this, I am now benefiting from their sacrifices. Throughout my family’s history, I have learned not to take things for granted and to be thankful for every opportunity that comes my way. Through hard work and determination, one is proven to be successful. I plan to work hard, using my past experiences with the help of new ones to make a positive difference in the world for my generation and the next.