Paulina Chavis '24 Recruiting Profile

As a student athlete and a senior in high school, I enjoy the qualities that helped shape me into the person I am today. From a young age I worshiped swimming and performing arts. I providentially attended a private school that gave both. I was able to join a class that worked with agriculture, so I learned many skills on how hydroponics works. My class and I grew microgreens, packaged them, and sold them into local groceries stores by our teacher. We managed to win a logo competition which was made for the microgreen business. This experience taught me how to have a business in selling and distributing products. 

As a swimmer I train a lot, my typical training schedule consists of six to eight in the morning and four to six in the afternoon. In 2021, I attended the Junior Olympics in Houston Texas, due to my outstanding performance the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) I was mentioned in an article. From there, I was finally noticed by the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) and I represented the United States in Serbia and France, held by the ISF (International School Sport Federation). Serbia and France were an amazing memorable experience, not only was I able to swim but I met so many people from all around the world. To this day I'm still in contact with them. I got to learn about many cultures, and we were able to trade things. That way I got many interesting souvenirs and gifts. I was voted to be the swim captain for the team MASA (Michael Andrew Swim Academy). This was quite a challenge however exciting, and I worked hard to be the best role model I could be for others. 

My school loved hosting a musical each year and I was always willing to audition for a main role. Being on the stage made me feel euphoric and I adored it. I took voice lessons each week to perfect my voice and finally my voice teacher told me I was ready to do some competitions. I attended “Spotlight" which is a dance and vocal competition. The first time I sang I was awarded with a “ruby” which is mostly like a second place. I knew I could do better, so I attended the next year and was awarded with a “diamond” which is first place and a “most unique” award. Dancing is a hobby I enjoy, and I trained for two hours four times a week for four years in a row. I had multiple dance teachers, and they took us to perform for many occasions. 

Not only was my focus on swimming and performing arts, but I also tried to focus on my grades and keeping them at a higher level. I was awarded for top student in chemistry. I am very good at time management, critical thinking, and adjusting to new situations. I was longing to go to school abroad to Slovakia because I wanted to be with my grandparents and to visit a new environment. I attended a bilingual school for English and Slovak. These experiences lead me to learn many new cultures and challenges.  Although I already speak Slovak, I got to learn a better way of communicating orally as well as reading and writing. 

Living in Hawaii gave me advantages to swim in the ocean. Some Days, instead of the pool, I would enjoy swimming in the ocean and my most favorite part would be when the ocean is very still and so crystal blue, you’re able to see everything under. I would attend open water swims that would consist of a series of events. Overall, I got second in my age group. Considering my mom is a proprietor for physical therapy, she has taught me many things, from adjusting different parts of the body to taking care of one's well-being.  My aspiration in life is to help our planet including taking care of animals and humans, as well as reducing climate change, deforestation, and much more. 

In my leisure time, I love to cook and bake, usually I will need to research new recipes that eventually I will be able to create myself. Writing songs has always been a hobby of mine due to the emotion, figuring out how to place the words in the correct melody, and the overall happy place I can go to knowing that it's something I can relate to. Then I just enjoy the small moments in life. The moments where I can hang out with my friends and family, go hiking, rollerblading, or skiing. 

As I prioritize being a student athlete I consequently will continue to work hard and focus on the things I love. Not only am I a leader but I am an independent worker who likes to get everything done on time. I love to have fun and enjoy learning new things. That’s why I would like to continue to grow on my education, skills, and qualities. Therefore, I would be a great addition to your school because of my passion, drive, and leadership skills.