Personal Statement
My sophomore year of high school was a tremendous learning experience for me both athletically as well as personally. On the first day of high school swim practice, I tore the labrum in my right shoulder. The shoulder injury along with a persistent knee injury landed me in physical therapy for 9 months causing me to miss short course season for my club team. The long road in physical therapy taught me that I have to take care of myself and my body first and foremost in order to compete at a high level.
Once I completed PT, I started back to swim slowly doing only 30 minutes of my 2-hour club practice. The climb back was a tough one, but I learned a lot about myself through the process. Despite the frustration I felt, I persevered and came back to full strength and I learned the value and necessity of taking care of myself through continued strength training and physical therapy to prevent injury.
Outside of swim, I am also a dedicated student. I work hard for my grades and am extremely motivated for success. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) student, I spend a lot of time studying and working on my honors classes and the various requirements to fulfill my IB diploma. While swim and academics occupy important parts of my life these two things are important, but not the totality of my focus. I also volunteer for several different clubs and non-profits and I value my ability to give back to my community. To describe me as a person and a student, you have to look at all of these aspects of my life. I am searching for a school that will help me continue to be a multi-faceted person. I want to be an athlete, AND, a serious student, AND a contributing member to my school and community. The perfect school for me will respect and nurture all of these qualities that I possess.
